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MEMOIRS

?^ p.

or K

PROFESSIONAL LADY NURSE.

M. STANNARD.

LONDON:

SI MP KIN, MARSHALL & CO.,

STATIONERS' HALL COURT.

1873.

TVq)

i,07rno:T ;

PnilTTEn TIV W. It. AND I,. COTXIKOniDOT!,
AT.nKUPOATT: BTUEBT, T,.C.

PREFACE.

T the request of many friends, 1 have written a
short account of some of my travels and ad-
ventures through the world. My life up to the
present has been a continual chequered scene. I trust
that my readers, in perusing these pages, may meet
with something both to instruct and interest them. My
desire in sending forth this little work is that it may
be the means of exalting that Saviour who has led
and watched over me to the present. The one great
difficulty is to know where to begin and where to
end. But, dear reader,

•

•* Think not perfection here to see,
Since no condition from defect is free :
Think not to find what here can never be.

243S3

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER 1.

Birth, Parentage, Childhood, and Youth.— My Mother's Death.
— Father's Second Marriage. — Become a Sunday-school
Teacher. — Engaged as Stationer's Assistant.— I rescue a
Child.— My Illness.— Engaged as Governess.—" Put in Pos-
session" as Bailiff.— Forcible Entry and Ejectment.— Return
Home, Conjugal Settlement, remove to Framlingham, and go
into Business as a Stationer and Coffee-house Keeper •• ..

rAQB

CHAPTER II.

Business unsuccessful.— We give it up.— My Husband goes to
Ipswich, I to London.— My Husband sends for me.— Perilous
Voyage to Ipswich.— Zoar Chapel.— My Begging Mission.—
Reasons for leaving Ipswich

CHAPTER III.

We go to London.— Bethlem Hospital. — Queen Charlotte's
Lying-in Hospital. — Brompton. — Installed as Attendant. —
Resolve to Emigrate.— Nine Elms to Southampton.— The Bay
of Biscay.— Tin and Din.— Our Berths, Regulations, and
Rations

CHAPTER IV.

am appointed Surgeon's Assistant.— A Yankee Trader. —
Jam.— Real Natives and Queer Pigs.— Whales, not Steamers.
—A Shark on Board.— A Storm.— Two Naughty Young
Ladies.— Reward of Industry.--" Land ahead !"— Danger. —
End of the Voyage.— Births and Deaths 2$

Contents.

CHAPTER V.

A Message for Somebody. — Disappointments. — Good News. —
Off to Wariambool. — Koii},'h l?oatmcn. — Old Friends and
New Arrangements. — My Husband starts for the Diggings. — 1
turn Laundress. — Good Pay. — .Saddle-work. — Suspicious
Death. — In pursuit of a Husband

CHAPTER VI.

Our First Encampment. —I>ynch-Law.— A Good "Rush." —
Thieves. — A Suspicious Character. — Singular Death. — Re-
moval. — Crossing Creeks. — Bread. — " Claims." — Evening
Guns. — Companions and Company. — Interior of my Tent ..

CHAPTER VII.

fAUB

A Visitor ; I fire at Him, and wake my Husband. — A Rhyming
Letter. — Off again. — A Bush Fire, — Safe Arrival 56

CHAPTER VIII.
Professional Work. — A Prodigal Son. — Old Friends. — My
Husbantl joins a Prospecting Party. — ^In pursuit again. —
Lost. — A strange Animal. — Grand Scenery and gloomy
Prospect. — "Coo-eel" — Found. — Another Removal. — Bathers.
—A Rescue 63

III

CHAPTER IX.

Return to Ararat. — Remarkable Birth of Twins. — Another lUish
Fire. — ^John Chinaman. — Undesirable Neighbours. — A Ruf-
fian.— Cathcart. — Fever. — Strange Companions

CHAPTER X.

The Black Lead.— Snow.— My Cook.— "Rush, O ! "—Welcome
Letter. — Farming. — Amphitheatre Diggings. — Avoca ..

CHAPTER XI.
Peter's Diggings. — A Large Family. — Providential Escape. — A
Capture. — Collection for a Natural History Museum. — A
T.oublesome Beast. — Retirement. — A Repulsive Individual
repulsed. — " Biai-k Fellows;" their Ideas, Manners, and
Customs

Cofitciits

CHAPTER XII.

PAUE

An Unwelcome Inquirer. — An Unknown Correspondent. — The
Letter. — Removal to St. Amaud. — Large I'ractice.— Flics and
their Destroyer. — Snakes and Whisky. — A Caution .. .. loi

CHAPTER XIII.

Last Interview with my IIusl)and. — Presentiment. — Brutal Mur-
der.— I am robbed by my late Husband's Partner. — Consola-
tion.— An Adventure 107

CHAPTER XIV.

Cheering Letter, — St. Amaud. — I start for Melbourne. — Painful
Reminiscences. — A Den of Infamy. — My Escape. — Comfort-
aide Quarters. — Melbourne II3

CHAPTER XV.

More Trouble. — Another Removal. — An Agreeable Suqirise.— I
am appointed Head Nurse. — I have to leave through Ill-health.
— 1 get an Appointment as Companion to Engbnd. — " No
Lady." — A Prize. — Queer Fish. — Icel)ergs 121

CHAPTER XVI.

On hoard the " Dover Castle." — Nearing England. — Birth in the
Docks. — Home. — Halifax. — New Zealander's Recognition. —
Another Travelling Engagement. — An Unamiable Captain. —
Sandy Hook. — In Search of Lodgings 12S

CHAPTER XVIL

My New York Home. — The City. — Sad News. — England again.
— Liverpool. — Rack to New \'ork. — The War. — I Return to
England, and visit my Father 136

CHAPTER XVin.

A Telegram. — A considerate Station-Master. — Too Late but all
right. — The "City of London," bound for America. — The
Nautilus. — Gloomy News at Charleston. — Fonthill, Canada
West. — The Missionary's W^idow. — Homeward IJound. —
Liverpool and London 144

VIII

Contents.

CHAPTER XIX.

p<ni

AiiDlher Appointment. — Scotland. — C.ipe de Verde Islmd. —
Kalkl.md Islands. — Cape Horn. — Storms and Trouble. — IJirth
on Hoard. — Juan Fernandez. — A Leviathan. — An Albatross. —
Till' I'ilot-fish. — The Stormy Petrel 150

CHAi'lER XX.

Ple.isurcs of a V(»/agc. — i>ad Weather. — Sounding. — In Harbour.
Vancouver. — An Old .Schoolfellow. —New Westminster. — A
" Clr.and" Hotel. — "Unprotected Kem.ales" surprised. — A
Sleifjh Trip. — Hospitality. — Poisoners. — "The Kent" and
her Captain. — Making ( lood Use of Rum. — Sailors. — Chen.kees
and their Jargon. — Vocabulary.— A God bought. — False Teeth 159

CHAPTER XXI.

Onboard the "Kent" home-bound. — Victoria. — North-American
Indians ; their Manners and Customs 178

CHAPTER XXII.

A Touching Narrative. — The Duty of Christians. — Missionary
Work. — Cariboo. — A Passenger Poet. — Employed again. — An
Indian Village — Squaws. — The Chinese. — Catching Teal

193

CHAPTER XXIII.

A Long Voyage. — A Friendly Bird. — Ship's Flags. — Flying-
fish. — San Francisco. ■—" The Golden Age."— Delightful
Scenery. — Panama

CHAPTER XXIV.

209

Aspinwall. — Paby's Food. — New York to Liverpool ; thence
to London. — Visits. — Gloomy News. — Head Nurse again. —
Strangers 218

CHAPTER XXV.
Stockrort Sunday School.— The Life-boat.— Sailors and Ships 127

CHAPTER XXVI.
Settled at last.— Miners.— A Happy Death. — Conclusion 243

MEMOIRS OF A LjlDY NUI[SE,

CHAPTER T.

Birth, Parentage, Childhood, and Youth. — My Mother's
Death. — Father's Second Marriage. — Become a Sunday-
school Teacher. — Engaged as Stationer's Assistant.— I
RESCUE a Child. — Mr Illness.- -Engaged as Governess.—
"Put in Possession" as Bailiff. — Forciule Entry and
Ejectment. — Return Home, conjugal settlement, removi;
TO Framlingham, and go into Business as a Stationer
and Coffee-house Keeper.

WAS born at Laxficld, in the county of
Suffolk, and was an only child. I had loving
parents, and, but for the firmness of both,
especially my mother, who wanted me to be fit for
the world when she was no more, should have
been spoiled, but she, in her anxiety, would often,
when I was being indulged, give a gentle rebuke to
my father. As I grew up, it soon became evident
that I was born in sin and shapen in iniquity, and
belonged to the wild olive. I was sent to school
when very young, for while I remained at home, my
mother being so afflicted, I was constantly causing
her great anxiety, by getting into trouble. No matter
how much I was watched by those who lii'd the care

''^

2 Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

of me, I often managed to escape their vigilance.
One time I fell into the fire and was very badly
burnt, another time I fell into the town pond ; in fact,
three different times I fell into the same water while
trying to gather wild flowers. The last time I should
have been drowned had it not been for the timely
assistance of a kind friend who lived close by, who,
finding I did not rise to the surface, plunged in and
brought me out. The same gentleman on another
occasion was the means of saving my life, when I
slipped into a deep place of mud, while at my
favourite pastime of gathering flowers, for from very
earlychildhood I was passionately fond of flowers. This
time I was so completely covered with mud that no-
thing could be seen of me except one thumb, through
which a thorn had pierced, and by which it was held
above the surface. When quite recovered (for I was
ill several weeks), I was sent to a day school. One
thing my father was ever careful and anxious to teach
me was to be cheerful and kind to the old, sick, and
infirm, and also to dumb creatures. To bring into
practice kindness to animals he bought me several
rabbits, and would often be pleased to amuse me by
assisting me to feed them. I have great cause to
bless God that He gave me such a good and kind
father. One summer evening I asked Mr. Crofford
whose duty it was to attend to the horses on the
farm, to let me go with him when he took the horses
to the pond to drink. He consented, and put me to
ride on one beside him. While going I was as happy
as a May queen, but my happiness was soon at an
end ; for the horse I was on made a practice of lying

/igilance.
■y badly
; in fact,
sr while
I should
■ timely
3y, who,
I in and
another
when I
at my
m very
rs. This
hat no-
hrough
as held
• I was
. One
) teach
;k, and
g into
several
ne by
jse to
1 kind
offord
•n the
lorses
me to •"
lappy
at an
lying

Sent to a Boarding School. 3

down in the water, and as soon a£ we were in carried
out his strange propensity, and with me on his back
laid down in the pond, I hanging on by his mane
until the man could come to my rescue. •

This led to my being sent away to a boarding-
school, where I remained five years, at the end of
which term I was taken away, and placed in one still
higher to completely finish my education. I found
more young ladies here than at the previous one, and
we were all very Jiiappy. Whilst I \,as there my
mother died, after which event, painful, you may
imagine, Mrs, Goodwin (the Principal) treated me as
one of her own — indeed, she was a mother to me,
and taught me various domestic duties, I became
very much attached to her, but was not long to
be the recipient of her instruction, for it pleased
God to remove her by death, only nine months
after my mother, I was now left to the entire care
of my father, who was firm but loving, still ever
reminding me of my duty to my fellow creatures,
and especially to the sick. He often prayed with
nie, and one evening, after his usual custom, I over-
heard him talking, and having no mother, I became
a little curious as to who it was to whom he was
speaking, and what it was he was saying ; so creeping
silently up to his door, and putting my ear to the key-
hole, I listened, and heard him say, " Lord, look in
mercy on my child, and turn her young and wicked
heart to love Thee : if not washed in Thy blood,
where Thou art she will never come. No, Lord, she
will never join her father ; for he believes that he will
one day see Thee as Thou art, and as his Saviour."
, ■ ■ B 2

4 Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

These words deeply affected me, and as I could
not bear to be parted from him whom I loved as my
own life, I wept much, and could not get any sleep
for many nights. But the Lord fastened my father's
woi^ds upon my young heart

I now had to assist my father in the discharge of
his important duties. By-and-by it came to my
knowledge that my father was going to be married
again, which I could not believe; but my doubts were
soon removed by his informing mc that such was the
case. I did not receive the intelligence with gladness,
but, on the contrary, it filled my heart with sorrow,
and I came to the conclusion that, however good my
new mother might be, I would not remain at home ; a
resolution which I carried into effect as soon as I
was able. But I should here remark, in honour to
my father, that when I became older I found he had
made choice of one in every way worthy, and one who
proved herself to be a loving, kind, and faithful wife.

Soon after the marriage I became a Sunday-school
teacher at the Laxfield Chapel, where previously I
had been a scholar, Mr. J. Tottman presided as
minister, and under whose ministry was revealed to
mc the wonderful plan of salvation through Christ.
The teachers were one and all anxious for the welfare
of those placed under their care, but none loved or
wrestled more for their little flock than Miss Emma
Garrard (formerly my teacher). Her name will live
in the heart of every child who had the happiness to
sit under her instructions. Vlethinks that even now
I hear her sweet voice telling us of the love of Jesus,
and reminding us that we were ever remembered by

En(:a<red as Stationer s Assistant.

'.i"c>

I could
d as my
ny sleep

father's

hargc of
to my

married
bts were

was the
;Iadness,

sorrow,
;ood my
lome ; a
3n as I
nour to

he had
3ne who
I wife,
-^-school
ously I
ded as
a led to

Christ,
welfare
Dved or

Emma
vill live
ncss to
;n now

Jesus,
red by

her before the Lord that He would make us good
childrc/i. God heard and answered her prayers, for
several of her scholars were brought to the knowledge
of the truth, though she did not live to realize the
comfort of it. Ye who are Sunday-school teachcis,
do not be di-scouraged in your great and good work
of teaching the rising generation the way of the Lord,
for He will hear and answer prayer when you least
expect it.

Having met with a situation, I left home, and had a
baby entrusted to my care ; but I was soon taken ill
which occasioned me to leave. I was sorry, as I had
become greatly attached to my little charge. Having
somewhat recovered, I was engaged by a printer and
stationer as an assistant for the shop. I did not like
the occupation, and only remained a month, and once
more returned to my home. I had not been there
long before my mind was quite made up to go into a
farm-house that I might learn dairy work. I .soon
obtained a place, where I learned all that was needed
to qualify me for making butter and cheese, and re-
mained about two years. During my stay, one of the
children who was just able to trot about by some
means unperceived got out of doors. Though he
was soon missed and a strict search was made, no
tidings of him ^ould be gleaned. A moat was near
the house, and I, wondering if he had fallen in, ran to
see, and found him lying at the bottom of the em-
bankment v.'hxh had been raised to prevent anything
which might fall from going to the deep part. I
gave the alarm, and instantly .sprang in and brought
him up, but when I reached the surface he was so

lii

6 Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

heavy that we must both have gone down again if
help had not been near. He was laid on the ground,
and I started to the village, which was not more than
half a mile off, for the doctor. Having my wet
clothes on, I could not run so fast as I wished. My
father, who lived close by, seeing what a plight I was
in, became frightened, as I was without bonnet or hat ;
but when I informed him the cause of my haste, he
was pleased to find I had been so courageous, for at
that time I was unable to swim.

Shortly after this, I. was unfortunate in upsetting
some gruel which had been put on the stove, and re-
ceived some severe scalds. At my own request, I
was taken home. For ten weeks I never left my
bed. After my recovery I obtained an appointment
as governess, where I had an opportunity of visiting
the sick, which appointment I held till the people
removed. One evening Mr. W. GiindL.ig, a gentle-
man who had been very kind to my father, and
whom we all felt anxious to serve, came in to inform
us that he had received a message from an officer
who was holding possession under a bill of sale for
him, for ;^400, was taken suddenly ill ; and requested
that I might be allowed to take his place. The only
fear my father had was that I should not be equal to
its duties ; but the fullest confidence having been ex-
pressed by the gentleman, and I being agreeable, we
at once drove over to where the bailiff was, a retail
shop, and I was soon installed in my new duty as
bailiff, which office I held for eleven weeks, and I had
the care of the cash-box night and day. The poor
shopkeeper had a very profligate son, so, what with

Act as Bailiff.

again if
ground,
)re tlian
my wet
d. My
t I was
or hat ;
astc, he
, for at

xsetting

and re-
uest, I
eft my

ntment

Visiting-
people

gentlc-

:r, and

inform
officer

ale for

uested

e only

[ual to

)n ex-

'le, we
retail

ity as

I had
poor
with

watching the shop, house, and the son, I had suffi-
cient to do ; but, with all my alertness, the son one
night succeeded in entering my bedroom. He at-
tempted to take from me the bill of sale and the cash-
box, when a desperate encounter ensued. His father's
bedroom being near, he came to the rescue, when
the son, failing in his design, left his home, and I
never heard any more tidings of him. The sale over,
I returned home, and soon after was married. My
husband was a builder, and, trade being dull, I soon
began to feel the loss of a father's home. Many
trials and troubles I bore, which I disclosed to no one
but God, to whom I spent whole nights in prayer.
Everything turned out so unprofitable that we were
compelled to remove to the town of P"*ramlingham,
which boasted of its ancient castle, and for five
years we did well, having taken a stationery business,
in conjunction with a Temperance tea and coffee
house. I was not only glad for our sakes that things
prospered with us here, but for my father's sake also,
as I knew well how sorely grieved his poor heart was.
I would just remark here to all my young readers,
forget not to honour and obey your parents. Think
of the love they bear to you, and ever remember the
love and duty you owe to them. Ever shun, as in the
sight of God, all that tends to wound their hearts.
You little know, you who have praying parents, the
many prayers that ascend to God on your behalf

ViECCP:;

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CHAPTER II.

Business unsuccessful. — We give it up.— My Husband goes
TO Ipswich, I ro London.— My Husband sends for me. —
Perilous Voyage to Ipswich. — Zoar Chapel. — My Begging
Mission. — Reasons for leaving Ipswich.

URING our stay in Framlinghani wc used
to go occasionally to Laxficld Chapel, which
was seven miles off, and sometimes to Crans-
ford, to hear Mr. Hill, whose ministry was made a
blessing to my soul.

Business being row on the wane, we resolved on
leaving and going to another town. My husband
(Mr. Stannard) having gone to Ipswich for the pur-
pose of visiting a sister, entered into a contract while
there to build several houses, but, fearing the work
would not continue long, it was considered wise I
should remain where I was. I had previously given
up my business. I accepted an invitation to visit
the son and daughter of my first benefactor and
friend (Mr. and Miss Goodvvin), in London, where I
stayed several weeks, during which time the Lord
blessed the preaching of Mr. Foreman and Mr-
Wells, of Surrey Tabernacle, which made me feel
as though my troubles were all over.

Having received a letter from Mr. Stannard, wish-
ing me to get ready to go to Ipswich, I prepared

^' Perilous Voyage. - ' 9

to return home, prior to removal, which my friends
were sorry to hear, especially the young lady, she
having dreamt that I had started home by the boat
and was lost, and begged I would not go that day.
I replied : " I shall not be lost ; God is able to keep
me from a watery grave." She went down with
me to the boat, and tooL leave of me in a most
affecting manner. The " Hardy " was not a first-
class steamer, and only sailed from London to
Ipswich. When we started the sun shone, and the
band on board played all sorts of lively airs. As
we glided down the Thames towards the Nore, one
poor fellow, who to judge by appearance might have
been a mechanic, said he had been down and in-
spected the boilers, and that we should be all lost,
for that they were cracked. A gentleman who
stood by remarked very dryly, " I hope the boilers
are not so much cracked as his head, or we shall come
poorly off." We came to the conclusion that the
poor man was insane, and ought not to be at large.
We soon rounded the Nore, but to witness a different
scene than we had witnessed when going down the
river ; for just as we rounded it a white squall came
on, and all faces soon wore a more serious aspect.
We were very near being capsized, having some sails
set at the time, which were soon torn to atoms.
The sea began to swell, and the storm increased,
and for several hours we expected to be lost. No
one could take anything to eat ; men, women, and
children were looking more like the dead than the
living. The captain, however, did his best to keep
his vessel on the right tack, but she. went all sorts

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

of ways. Once or twice the dream came vividly
to my mind. Orders were now given for all seats
and movables to be lashed and made secure. All
the passengers (with the exception of three ladies
who were too ill) were upon the deck. Strange to
say, several of the passengers desired to be made fast
to their scats. Many now began to say, that what
the mechanic had said was going to prove true, and
that we were indeed, to use a sailor's phrase, " going to
Davy Jones's Locker ;" though not from the bursting
of the boilers. After the storm, the young man, the
mechanic, was not to be seen, and the captain
thought that through fear he must have jumped
overboard. By some means the hatchway had be-
come undone, and one poor old lady, who was sitting
close to it, and who was not one of the smallest
of her se::, fell into the sea, and after her several fat
pigs, which had got loose, and were never recovered.
A sailor, rather smarter than some of the rest, seeing
the lady fall, sprang forward, and the steamer giving
a lurch to the side where she was, caught hold of the
heel of her boot, and hauled her upon the deck, and the
best the circumstances would allow was done for her.
All the glass and china and earthenware now began
to give way, and get smashed. One young lady, who
sat close by me, said to me several times, " Are you
not afraid .-'" I replied, " Not much ;" for I must tell
the reader that while all this was going on I was
secretly asking the Lord to let the trying circum-
stances in which we were then placed be the means of
eternal life to those on board ; for, if we might judge
by. words and conduct, there were not many praying

Hoisting a Flag of Distress.

[ividly
seats
All
[ladies
(ge to
le fast
what
and

characters amongst them. I was comforted by these
words coming verv forcibly to my mind, " Stand still,
and see the salvation of God." The fear I had was
vanished, and I felt that we should not be lost. The
captain, thougli one of the bravest of men, seemed to
have lost hope of saving the vessel. We were all in
a dreadful state : men, strong and stalwart, looking
like so many corpses ; husbands, wives, and children
clinging to each other. Some were in tears, while
others were too much frightened to weep. The few
life-belts we had on board were ordered to be in
readiness, with all the boats, which were not of the
best sort ; but any boat in a storm will be thought
much of till its imperfections are discovered. Shortly
after this it was thought advisable to hoist a flag of
distress, as we were nearing a port, though not the
one we had hoped to have reached. The storm
seemed to have abated a little, which it had done before.
The captain ordered a flag of distress to be hoisted.
It was seen by the coastguard, who sent out to us,
and with a tug towed us into Favcrsham creek, where
we were made safe. Many of the passengers wished
to leave and go to Canterbury, and from there to
London. The boatmen told them that if they could
walk through a great distance of surf they could go,
but no boat could take them. But, however, go they
would, taking no luggage with them. During the
time we lay there coals and a great many other
necessaries were brought on board, and everything
was made ready for another start to Ipswich. We
steamed out of the creek at 4 o'clock in the morning,
and reached the river Orwell at 5 o'clock in the after-

JifcDioirs of a Lady Nurse.

noon, and as we dropped down the river old hats,
boots, and shoes were thrown up into the air, and the
hearts of all on board beat with joy at their safe
arrival, where we found all who had gone before
anxiously awaiting on the beach for the time when
they should get their luggage restored to them. I
found my friends had been very much troubled about
me, thinking that I must have been lost, but were
greatly relieved to find that such was not the case.

In the providence of God we settled in Ipswich,
where business for a time went on well. I joined
the people of Zoar Chapel. They had no vestry or
school-room, whicn was greatly needed, the chapel
being in the midst of a thickly-populated part of
the town, which was comprised mostly of the
poorer class of people. After due consideration by
the minister and congregation, it was proposed that
they should build a school-room or a vestry, previous
to which the ladies were to be furnished with collect-
ing cards. Some of the ladies being much better
known in the town than myself, I proposed to take
a tour to the different churches where I was well
known. This I did, staying at the different ministers'
houses for a short time, and returned home at the end
of seven weeks. I felt grateful to my husband for
thus allowing me to be so long absent from home,
begging — for it can be called by no other name ; and,
for the encouragement of those who go out on a
mission for a good purpose, I may say that happier
days I never spent. While plodding across fields and
by-ways from house to house — for I did not confine
my efforts to town — the Lord gave me strong faith to

A Bcggiug Expedition.

hats,
id the
safe
)efore
when
im. I
[about
were

believe that I should be prosperous, and so I was.
Every place I went to I met with encouragement,
and one that I visited stands out prominently before
the rest in pointing out the truth, that all hearts are
in the Lord's hands. It was the house of a very
wealthy gentleman in Bungay. When I rang the bell,
a servant came to answer the door. I gave him my
card, but he wished to know something of the nature
of my business ; I partially told him, when he replied,
" I will take it to my master, but I am sure he will
not give you any thing." He went to tell his master,
and while he was gone, from the position where I was,
I could hear all that passed between the servant and
his master. The gentleman, upon the message being
delivered, shouted at the top of his voice : " No, no,
nothing ; tell her to go ! " which message was duly
delivered to me, and, judging by the expression of
William's countenance, it seemed that he quite ac-
quiesced in his master's decision. After he had told
me what his master had said, he opened the door
for me to go, when I quietly asked him if his master
were a gentleman.'' Having received an answer in
the affirmative, I observed that, " I felt assured he
would not turn me away without speaking to me."
Away the man went, though not at all falling in with
my statement. I heard the gentleman say, " Ask
her into the parlour." I was shown in, and he quickly
followed in his morning gown, for it was early. He
inquired my business. I answered, " A quiet talk
about some people with a great many children, and
we want to build a school-room ; and God has
honoured you by placing you over a large portion of

l!^ i

Memoirs of a Lady isiurse.

temporal goods, and, in the name of these poor people,
I beg you will give them a little help." He looked
at me very earnestly, rubbed his hands, and rang the
bell, at which summons the powdered valet appeared,
and received the order to "Bring a box." "Which
box, sir ?" asked William. " Cash," replied the
gentleman, whose countenance was cheerful and
agreeable, while William looked anything but pleased
that I had succeeded in my request. While the box
was being unlocked, he told me that " I must not
come any more," and with those words gave me a
pleasing donation. On taking leave, he shook hands
and wished me " God speed."

I returned to the Christian friends at the Baptist
church in Bungay. It was presided over by Mr.
Hazleton, with whom I had some earnest conversa-
tion upon spiritual matters. I proceeded to Beccles
where I met Mr. George Wright, an old and much-
beloved servant of the Lord. I received a hearty
welcome from the whole of his family, and during
the time I was engaged in canvassing the town and
suburbs I sojourned at his house.

I need scarcely say that the people were highly
pleased at the success of my seven '^eeks' labour.

For some time after my path was ♦ jugh and thorny
in spiritual things ; I found I was not to walk in silver
slippers with the sun always shining upon me, and no
int-^rvcning days of doubt and darkness. Truly, all
through life I could say : —

" I've no abiding city here,
But lodge awhile in tents below."

But if it was the Lord's way with me, I felt content,

%L_

A Great Trial.

cople,
looked
|ig the

:arcd,
hich
Id the
1 and
(leased
le box
St not

me a
hands

believing that the promise would be fulfilled, that all
things should work together for good to them that
love the Lord, though at this time everything seemed
to tell against us for the worst, business being so very
bad, we felt it necessary to leave that town. Several
failed owing us large sums of money for contracts
nearly completed, but could not be finished, and all
came to a standstill. It was a groat trial, and one
over which we had no control.

CHAPTER III.

We go to London. — Bethlem Hospital. — Queen Char-
lotte's Lying-in Hospital. — Brompton. — Installed as
Attendant. — Resolve to emigrate. — Nine Elms to Sou'iH-
ampton. — The Bay of Biscay.— Tin and Din. — Our Berths,
Regulations, and Ra'iions.

E now made up our minds to go to London.
Being always glad to \ isit the .sick, it had been
impressed on my mind for a long time to go
to some hospital, as I felt I could do a great deal for
the poor invalids if I understood better how to treat
them. Many things arose in my mind when I
thought of the matter, and at last I named it to my
husband, and with his consent I made application at
the Bethlem Royal Hospi^^^al, and was informed
that at that time no pupils were admitted, but if
I desired to get instruction I could go in as an
attendant, to which I agreed ; ard I can say that I
have not seen anywhere a nobler institution for those
who are afflicted mentally. There is every kind of
amusement to cheer the drooping spirit, such as
music, birds, flowers, aquariums, &c., &c. After re-
maining there some time, I desired to become
thoroughly and practically acquainted with every
branch of medical, surgical, and midwifery practice,

Brompton.

Char-

[.I.ED AS
) SoU'iH-

Berths,

ondon.
ad been
le to go
deal for
to treat
vhen I

to my
ation at
ifornied

but if
I as an
' that I
)r those
kind of
Lich as
fter re-
become

every
ractice,

and, in order to learn the last-named, I entered
Queen Charlotte's Lying-in Hospital, as an indoor
pupil. There I received every instruction necessary
to qualify me in nursing and midwifery. During
the greater part of the time 1 was allowed to prac-
tise as midwife.

After I left Queen Charlotte's I went to various
other hospitals for medical and surgical training.
God gave me strength of body and mind to do all
that was required of me, though I little knew what
my future was to be. Notwithstanding I had been
greatly supported in all my duties, my health began
to decline, when my husband proposed that we should
go and live at Brompton, thinking the change might
do me good, as it was not so thickly populated.

After a short time, and when I found my health
improving, the matron at the Brompton College sent
for me to know if I would take charge of a young
gentleman who, through a sudden promotion to a
post of honour, had become mentally afflicted. I
arranged to go to the College, and try what I could
do with him, as they did not wish to send him away
if I could at all manage him, I found him to be a fine
young man, and the only son of a widowed mother.
We had a well-furnished room to ourselves, where I
endeavoured to amuse him in every possible way. I
remained with him at night as well as day ; often
during the night he would get out of bed and see
if I were asleep, and if he thought I was, wjuld
give me such a shaking, telling me to wake up and
sing a song, and then he would sing one of his after
I had complied with his request. I remained there

Memoirs of a Lady Nicrse.

only eleven weeks, and at the end of which he was
perfectly able to resume his duties. The unfeigned
love and thankfulness expressed by him at our part-
ing will ever be remembered by me.

I just remark here that, of all the noble works
entered into as a profession, there is not one nobler
than that of a nurse. She has a far greater opportu-
nity of doing good than the medical man, though he
may be ever so desirous to restore his patient. A
good nurse not only feels it a pleasure to carry out
the doctor's commands (which every good and faithful
nurse will do), but at the same time will ask God to
bless every means used for the restoration of the
patients placed under her care. It is impossible to
tell the good that has resulted from God-fearing
nurses. I am greatly rejoiced to find that ladies are
giving this noble work its due consideration. Many
have already come forward in love to the afflicted,
leaving the great pleasures of society and home to
enjoy the unspeakable pleasure of doing good,
proving the truth of God's word, "that it is more
blessed to give than receive." What would have been
the sufferings of those poor soldiers in the late war
if it had not been for the high and noble minded
ladies who, at the risk of their lives, went to ad-
minister comfort and relief to the maimed and dying .-*
The great amount of suffering which they were, in
the hands of God, the means of relieving will never
be known. ?,Iany a poor fellow who heard their voice
of love mingled with compassion, and who has been
spared, can tell the tale of the kindness shown. May
many more come forth into the great field of love, for

IVc start for Australia.

he was
ifeigned
fur part-

le works
le nobler
[opportu-
lough he
lent. A
carry out
d faithful
God to
on of the
ossible to
od-fearing
ladies are
)n. Many
c afflicted,
i home to
.ing good,
it is more
have been
le late war
ble minded
ent to ad-
md dying ?
:y were, in
<; will never
their voice
0 has been
Dwn May
of love, for

if properly entered, it will not be thought or felt a
labour, but a high privilege to be enjoyed ! for it is
not every one that is gifted or fitted to fill the office
of nurse, neither can they be taught to become jlever,
being destitute of the qualifications which a really
good nurse requires. There is something impressively
solemn when a dying sailor or soldier, who but a few
days before was brought off the field of battle, savs
with a weak voice, rendered so by the ebbing away
of vital power, "Thank you for your kindness to
me, and may God bless you ! " then grasping your
hand with as much warmth of feeling as he can put
forth, faintly smiles, and the soul goes to its Maker.
You feel a satisfaction that you have been the means
of alleviating some amount of suffering, both of body
and mind, which he might have felt had no nurse
been in attendance.

After I left the College and returned home, my
husband expressed a desire to emigrate to Australia,
as quite a mania had arisen for the gold fields, and,
considering our losses at Ipswich, I felt it my duty to
comply with his wishes.

We decided to go by emigration, which we found
was better than going by private ships, particularly
for those with large families. We went from Nine
Elms to Southampton, where the vessel was lying that
was to carry us over the deep blue sea. It being
customary for intending emigrants to remain three
days at the depot, we obtained leave (for we did not
like staying there) to lodge in the town till the fol-
lowing Monday, when we went on board, at n'hich
time the appointment of matron for the ship took

C 2

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

place. I being advised to make application for the
appointment, did so, but was unsuccessful, which
caused me to feel a little vexed, as I desired much to
increase our funds.

On the 5th November, 1853, we sailed down the
river, and dropped anchor just opposite the Isle of
Wight, where we saw Gunpowder Plot to perfection :
fireworks were to be seen in abundance. When we
were at anchor, the^Minister gave us a most excellent
sermon on brotherly love, for he and the Commis-
sioner came with us. The sermon was very touching
and impressive, nearly all on board shedding tears.
Having given us some good and wholesome advice,
and wishing us a long farewell, the Commissioner
and Minister left the ship. As the boat in which they
went away left, the emigrants gave them three hearty
cheers, which they returned ir good earnest, wishing
us " God speed."

At 2 a.m. next morning we weighed anchor, and
commenced emigrants' life. It may be that some of
my readers have never had the pleasure, if such it
may be called, of sailing across the sea in an emigrant
ship, so I will give a short but graphic description ot
it. Confusion and noise reigned triumphant, and all
seemed to vie each other in that pleasant and delight-
ful employment. The children, too, of whom there
was no scarcity, seemed quite able and wiUing to
swell the discord : men and women grumbling,
having evidently expected to find all on board the
same as on dry land, and who no doubt, if they could,
would have gone back to where they had started
from. In crossing the Bay of Biscay we encountered

Tin and Rattle.

)n for the
ul, which
much to

down the

le Isle of

crfection :

When we

excellent

Commis-

' touching

ing tears.

le advice,

imissioner

I'hich they

ree hearty

t, wishing

nchor, and
Lt some of
if such it
1 emigrant
cription ot
It, and all
id delight-
lom there
willing to
grumbling,
board the
bey could,
id started
countered

a squall, which caused many of the passengers who
just before had the boldness of lious to become weak
as children. The ship rolled heavily, causing tins to
emerge from all corners, like so many mice at play.
The noise and rattle produced was something deafen-
ing, and to many stout hearts almost appalling. Tin
and rattle was the order of the day. There were tin tea-
pots of ill sizes and shapes ; tin plates, but none of
the willow pattern ; tin pans of various sizes, used for
the purpose of holding soup ; tin tankards, used for
drinking purposes; tin bottles, to liold the daily allow-
ance of water ; tin bowls, for ablutions ; tin hats, used
by those who obtained the pity and contempt of the
sailors, by being sick in, and which admirably served
their purpose, being made like a Quaker's hat with a
broad brim, and were placed on the knees of the un-
lucky individuals who had the misfortune to be sea-
sick ; bully tins, which the emigrants' meat was pre-
served in, and which the sailors looked at with
disgust, and passing any ship would yell out, with a
fiendish grin, " Have you got any bully soup on
board.-*" and if the ship was at too great a distance,
used to chalk it upon a board. And then, to com-
plete the long array of tin articles, the ladies had
brought for the children every kind of tin toys, the
noise of which, I leave the reader to judge, was in a
storm, as well as a calm, something dreadful.

The Commissioners having allowed us to take our
own beds with us, we were very thankful, and we.
found them to be quite a luxury.

The berths were snug places indeed, for one would
have thought, by the length, breadth ind depth, that

Meinoirs of a Lady Ntirse.

they had been made on purpose for us. The only thing
which we found to be at all inconvenient was, that
there was only just sufficient room to sit conveniently
in bed, and when you got out of bed great care had
to be taken lest the deck above came in unpleasant
contact with the top of the head. Fortunately, ours
was a top berth, and if ever so clever when the ship
rolled, we were sure to be inconvenienced by the head
or shoulder coming in contact with the top or sides of
the ship. These berths are not very good places for
those who are troubled with nightmare, or bad
dreams which cause them to start up in bed. One
thing is certain — they would not dream long, but soon
awake to their own safety. The bottom berths were
not so good as the top ones, though you had to climb
to reach the top ones, and were annoyed by the
sailors using the " Bible," a phrase which they applied
to the use of a stone which they rubbed on the deck
every morning, for the purpose of keeping it clean, if
the weather was such as would allow such ablutions.
If the weather was rough, the passengers were obliged
to sit between decks, which monotony was greatly
relieved by each bed having a green curtain drawn
before it. When meals were served, a long deal table
with a rim was let down with ropes, and which had
no legs, but was suspended from above deck, and each
mess sat down with their captain (every mess having a
, captain to keep order), and who often numbered from
fourteen to twenty persons. Every Friday — not an
unlucky day to the emigrant — the chief steward served
out the provisions allowed by the Commissioners for
the week, and which consisted* of flour, butter, syrup,

Life on an Emigrant Ship.

ly thing

vas, that

eniently

are had

pleasant

ely, ours

the ship

the head

r sides of

Dlaces for

or bad

ed. One

but soon

rths were

to climb

by the

y applied

the deck

t clean, if

ablutions.

re obliged

s greatly

tin drawn

deal table

/hich had

and each

> having a

ered from

^ — not an

ird served

ioners for

er, syrup,

sugar, rice, suet, oatmeal, lime-juice, currants, raisins,
tea and coffee, with many other articles. On the top
of each berth was a kind of locker, but which had no
covering of any sort. The articles served out were
placed in these receptacles, and it not unfrequently
happened that while you were indulging in blissful
repose a gale sprang up, and you were rudely
awakened by a shower of bottles and tins, which
covered the bed with their contents. Then a scene
of almost indescribable confusion ensued : some were
crying out that they were being smothered in treacle,
others had just received an unexpected quantity of
flour, which caused general fits of sneezing and cough-
ing ; others had got their eyes full of oatmeal, and were
afraid to open them, lest they should get a fresh sup-
ply ; and all agreed to the fact that there had been a
plentiful shower of raisins, currants, rice, suet, and the
other articles which they had stowed away in safety in
these lockers ; and last, and not least, some who slept
with their mouths open were awakened by a piece of
butter falling and filling up the cavity. The worst of
all this was, that whatever you lost in these affairs you
were compelled to do without till the time came round
again for a fresh supply, as they were only served out
once a week. Every Wednesday all beds and bedding
was taken upon deck, if the weather permitted, and
suspended between sea and sky on the rigging, which
was done to preserve health, and while hung up the
men would clean out all the berths, rubbing the floor
with sand ; and if any refused to do their allotted
portion were compelled by the constables who had
been sworn in before the voyage commenced. All

\&^s^

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

water was given out by measure, and which taught us
not to waste that great blessing. The captain was
very kind, not only to the children, whom he regaled
with all sorts of good things during the voyage, but
to many of the females, who were allowed to walk
upon the upper deck, and of the number so privileged
I was one.

Jght us
tin was
Regaled
|ge, but
walk
alcgcd

CHAPTER IV.

I AM APPOINTED SURGEON's ASSISTANT. — A YANKEE TRADER. —

Jam.— Real Natives and Queer Pigs. — Whalers, not
Steamers. — A Shark on Board. — A Storm. — Two Naughty
Young Ladies. — Reward of Industry. — " Land ahe.\d t" —
Danger. — End of the Voyage. — Births and Deaths.

HE doctor was taken ill, and was scarcely able
to get on deck, and he, knowing that I knew
something of the qualifications of a doctor,
came to me and inquired if I had any objection to
assist him during the voyage. He promised that
I should be handsomely paid, and have the privilege
of the cabin fare, the same as himself and the captain,
both in meals, wines, &c, I replied that I was willing,
but must first consult my husband. He consenting,
I at once entered upon my duties, but not without
deep thought ; for I saw the hand of God was in it,
and that if He had allowed me to have had my own
way in being matron, I should have been far worse
off, for I should have often been shut down with
those young people in a close plac^. I could then
fully agree with the Psalmist, when he said, " He
that is wise, and will observe these things, even
they sha)' understand the loving kindness of the
Lord." .
A ship being now sighted, we hailed her, but the

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

y ii

captain, instead of giving a reply, ordered his boat to
be lowered, and was soon alongside our ship. He
then informed us that his vessel was an American
whaler bound to the Cape. We inquired whether he
would take some letters for us, and receiving an
answer in the affirmative, all hands soon commenced
writing. When all was ready for delivery, one
shilling each was paid for postage. The captain
then sent back his boat to the ship, when, to our
surprise, it soon returned, laden with cheese, jams,
onions, &c., which were sold to a great number of the
emigrants. Such was the immense quantity of things
he had on board that the boat seemed to be a kind
of floating store-house. But, however, no sooner had
he taken his leave than exclamations of abuse poured
forth from all quarters, especially those who had pur-
chased jams ; for Brother Jonathan had, to use their
own words, "Jam'd them pretty well." They had
paid seven shillings for each jar, and there was not
more than two table-spoonfuls in them. After this,
we expected our letters would not reach the Cape, as
we felt assured that he was cruising about to catch
vessels with passengers on board. But, however, to
be just to him, whether he went to the Cape or not,
our letters reached England safely,

A few days after we sighted an island, the name
of which I have forgotten. The natives saw us, and
came out in a very curious kind of boat of a
very novel construction, which put me in mind
of Topsy, in " Uncle Tom's Cabin," who, when
asked how she was made, said, " Didn't know ;
'spect she growed." They came, not like Brother

Real Natives and Queer Pigs.

)oat to
He
lerican
ther he
nng an
Imenccd
ry, one
(captain
to our
c, jams,
r of the
)f things
i a kind
Dner had
; poured
lad pur-
use their
hey had
was not
fter this,
Cape, as
to catch
vever, to
: or not,

le name
us, and
at of a
n mind
), when
know;
Brother

Jonathan, to sell, but brought for the captain a
present, which consisted of two pigs, some apples,
oranges, and bananas. It was fine weather and quite
a calm, giving all the greater pleasure to welcome the
strangers, especially the " pigs," for they were ad-
mired, not for their beauty, but for their strange looks
and manners, being of a dark red colour, with very
long bristles, their front legs much shorter than those
behind, yet, to the amusement of all, they went down
on their knees to eat. The natives having been
entertained by the captain to good old English fare,
which they much enjoyed, and received presents from
the captain, a breeze having sprung up, we bid
our friends adieu, and sailed on for three weeks
without sighting any ship. However, one morning,
about four o'clock, the captain shouted down the
hatchway : "All hands up — homeward bound steamer
in sight." There was no time lost, for all were soon up,
and most amusing it was to see so many on the deck,
some sitting on the co ipanion-ladder, loaded with
writing materials ; the poop was covered with emi-
, grants, paper, and ink. The sun was rising, and all
were delighted, and quite agreed with the captain that
it was a steamer.

At 10 a.m. it was much nearer ; many had lost
their breakfast in watching her, but at noontide they
discovered that they had made a mistake : what they
had taken to be steam and smoke was a fleet of
whales. Having discovered the supposed smoke and
steam to be water which the monsters of the deep were
throwing up, the crew had been enjoying the affair
as well as the captain, though it was not altogether a

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

! ■''

disappointment to us, for we all had a good view of
them gliding majestically away. The next day we
caught a shark. It was hard w jrk for six sailors to
haul it upon deck, where it played some clever tricks.
One cf the emigrants, an Irishman, who was very
anxious to see the " wonderful crathur," went a
little too close to examine it more minutely, when
the shark gave his tail a twitch, which knocked his
inquisitor down the hatchway, yelling out " he was
kilt and murthered, and all his ribs were broken, and
should niver see the dhry land any more." He was,
however, quickly recovered, and it was found he
was only slightly hurt. On regaining the deck, he
commenced, in much the same style as Pickwick,
when he delivered his first Parliamentary address, a
long tirade against the shark, much to the merriment
and amusement of those on board. The sailors now
soon put an end to the shark's playfulness, by each
using his jack-knife in a very scientific manner, first
cuttinc: off the tail and then the head. Several
expressed a wish to inspect the jaws of the creature,
and the carpenter (the head having been severed
from the body twenty minutes) taking up the head
for the purpose of showing it, put his thumb between
the rows of teeth, when the jaws closed upon his
hand, cutting the thumb in a dreadful manner,
and disabling him from work the remainder of the
voyage.

The weather was beautifully fine, and on we sailed,
little dreaming that rough weather was soon to set in
with double fury. When it had lasted a week, we lost
the mizzen-mast,and a week after we lostthe mainmast.

■#

Two NiuigJitv Young Ladies.

Hatches were all battened down, children shrieking
men and women all expecting to die, their hearts
failing them for fear — many on their knees praying
during the storm who, it is to be feared, forgot to pray
in calm weather. The storm abated, and once more
we enjoyed the gentle breezes which wafted us for-
ward, and all recovered their spirits, except the poor
doctor, who still remained ill. We had a family on
board who came from Jersey, and who had two
daughters, both of whom were highly accomplished,
and who caused quite a sensation on board, and a deal
of trouble to the matron; so much so that the captain
threatened them that their beautiful black trcbses
should be cut off as a punishment ; and I, to save
them from that sorrow and disgrace, beg-f^'^d ^hat
he would allow them to come under my jjc i:.. .he
hospital, where I should keep them eir.pio}'oJ lie
consented, and they behaved well the fiMnainui.T k.S
the voyage, and were very useful.

Previous to leaving England, a quantity of calico
was cut up at the Emigration Depot into various gar-
ments. They were to be made by the emigrants
during the voyage, and at the end of which given to
those who had made them, though at the time was
kept an entire secret from them, being a reward for
industry ; for the more industrious they were the
better for them, to the no small annoyance of those
who had been idle, and which the day of distribution
proved.

These two young ladies made several garments, as
well as seeing to the work attached to the hospital,
and at the end of the voyage were presented with the

■,#^

!m I

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

garments by me as a reward for their Industry and
good behaviour.

We had experienced very rough weather during the
voyage, and if the ship had not been a good old oak
she must have been broken up. The sailors called
her "a washing tub," as her saihng quaHtic? were
not very quick.

Early one morning the man on the look out bawled
out to the captain, "Land ahead!" At this time every
one was in bed asleep, but the welcome sound found
its way into the ears of the slumberers, causing them
to start up in bed, and, forgetting there was not much
room, hit their heads against the top. Then an in-
describable scene occurred : every one v^'as trying to
be first on deck, to catch a glimpse of the land they
supposed to be nearing. Some went on deck barely
half dressed, and without shoes or stockings ; toes
were trod on with impunity, and all strained their eyes
to the utmost to see the land, not flowing with milk
and honey, but gold, and which presented the ap-
pearance of a dark cloud in the distance ; but some-
thing nearer was not only taking the captain's atten-
tion, but all on board.

On we sailed, with a fair wind, running to death,
through a projecting rock standing far out into the
sea, against which the waves dashed and lashed them-
selves into foam. The captain, seeing the danger,
gave the old cry, " 'Bout ship!" and once more went out
to sea. The orders were to tack at two in the morning,
and stand in for Portland Bay. At five in the after-
noon we found we were in double danger, for we
were too close to the shore, and breakers were near,

. 1

End of the Voyage.

and

|g the

oak
:aued
were

ready to gore the sides of the ship, and send to
destruction all on board. "'Bout ship!' was again
ordered, and once more went out to try our luck.
We had on board a North-American colour>^d man,
who was called " Black Harry," and who was well
accustomed to those parts of the mighty deep, Iiaving
been a sailor forty years. The captain, feeling he
could have more confidence in him, gave him charge
of the wheel, and orders to tack at two in the morning.
The captain then retired to bed. I was standing by,
and the chief officer coming up, Harry asked permis-
sion to tack then, instead of two in the morning, as
he felt sure by so doing he could bring the ship to
its destination. Permission bemg granted, orders
were given to tack, and at daylight we had the un-
speakable pleasure of viewing the rocks in the
distance, and knowing we were then quite out of
danger. During the time we were in danger every
one on board was giving advice in the matter, some
advising one thing, and some another, m.aking the
scene one of great confusion, and almost putting one
in mind of the confusion of tongues at the Tower of
Babel. At four o'clock in the afternoon of the same
day we dropped anchor, after a voyage of 108 days.
Many ships were at anchor in the ba}-; some had and
some ha'! not discharged all their emigrants, small-
pox being on board. It appeared to give them
pleasure when they saw us, for quickly all around
were pieces of board put up, on which were ques-
tions, written in chalk, and in the same way received
answer from us. We were more fortunate. Our
ship was very clean, for which all concerned in the

ast:

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

management received great praise from the Com-
missioners.

During the voyage we lost five children, who were
.very vcak when they came on board. Five were
I ,1.. ..nich gave me great pleasure, as I had officiated
in every way for their safety and health, and thus we
were enabled to take into port the same number that
we had taken out.

CHAPTER V.

and

A Message for Somebody. — Disapi'ointments.— Good News.—
Off TO Warrambool. — Rough Boatmen.— Old Friends and
New Arrangements. — My Husband starts for the Dig-
gings.— I turn Laundress. — Good Pay. — Saddle Work. —
Suspicious Death. — In search of my Husband.

REVIOUS to leaving the ship, the Commis-
sioners came on board to inquire into the
character and conduct of the emigrants,
also as to what they were fit for in the
colony, Ihe captain kindly insisted upon intro-
ducing me to the Commissioners, as the doctor's as-
sistant, when I received their hearty thanks. While
the inspection was going on, a steamer hove in
sight, but neither the cuptain nor any one else were
allowed to come on board our ship until the Commis-
missioners had completed their inquiries. The
captain of the advancing steamer called out Inat he
had a letter for some one, bu no name could be
heard, and that the passage was paid, but where to
was lost in the winds. We had a shopkeeper on
board whose wife had a brother in Melbourne ; she
at once concluded that the letter was for them. We
all arrived at the same conclusion, having no friends
who could or would have paid our passage for us.
They were very pleased, and at once proceeded to get

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

their thmgs ready to leave the ship. Previous to the
Commissioners leaving the ship, they desired me, when
I became settled, to send them my address, when
they would remit me remuneration for my services on
board. I was somewhat surprised, for I had been
filling myself with the hope that I should have some-
thing to draw to add to our little stock. I then went
into the hospital, there being no one in it, and, with
my eyes full of tears, poured out my soul in prayer to
the Lord, that He would open a door of deliverance.
I felt that God would appear for us, when those
blessed words came with a power and sweetness
which is alone felt when God applies it to the mind
and heart, — " There shall be a way of escape that
thou shalt be able to bear it." I was quite satisfied
that it would be well with us, and told my husband
so ; but he replied, " You are such a foolish woman to
talk in that way. Where in the world should help
come to us from here .'' " I replied, " Never mind :
the ways and means are with the Lord, and Him
alone." Here, however, an enemy slipped in. A
thought came into my mind, that if no deliverance
came to us, how it would give an occasion to them
who knew not God to speak evil of His name, and
oubt the truth of my sincerity and faith.
In the meantime the Commissioners had left, and
the captain of the steamer came on board, when he
received a good shake of the hand from Captain Kerr,
and a true English welcome. ^Vhen they reached the
cabin, the letter named was delivered to our captain.
He immediately turned round and exclaimed, " Mrs.
Stannard, this letter is for you ; and the passage of

rse.

Previous to the

iesired me, when

• address, when

' my services on

for I had been

)uld have some-

k. I then went

in it, and, with

oul in prayer to

of deliverance.

as, when those

and sweetness

it to the mind

of escape that

; quite satisfied

lid my husband

)olish woman to

-Id should help

' Never mind :

ord, and Him

slipped in. A

no deliverance

asion to them

His name, and

th.

s had left, and
)oard, when he
I Captain Kerr,
cy reached the
o our captain,
laimed, " Mrs.
he passage of

Off to Warrmnbool.

yourself and husband is paid to Warrambool." I was
very pleased at this mark of estimation in which I
was held, and glad for the sake of my Lord and my
husband. For a few moments I could but just say,
" Did I not tell you that the Lord would appear .<* "
And yet I could but sympathize with the poor little
wife, who had everything ready packed to start,
whereas we had to be quick to do so, to go on board
the steamer.

The next touching scene we had to pass through was
to take leave of the captain and the doctor. We then
went on board, and were obliged to huddle our lug-
gage together in a heap, for it was dirt, dirt, every-
where dirt ; yet a most cheerful little captain, who
insisted on my standing upon a herring barrel, to
enable me to see about, as we kept pretty close to the
shore. In fact, he did every thing he could to make
happy those who came from England. Fishing-lines
were brought out, and we caught several fine fish, which
were much relished for breakfast next morning.

We sighted a small township, so-called, but which
in reality was not, as it only consisted of two brick
buildings — the kirk of Scotland, built of stone, and a
building of wood for the service of the Church of
England, and a few tents scattered here and there.
As the steamer neared Warrambool, a flag was hoisted
for a boat to come off, which was quickly alongside,
and, our luggage being put in, we took leave of our
friends, as many had come from Portland Bay on their
way to Melbourne.

I did not much admire our boatmen, who seemed
of a very rough class, the upper part of their face

D 2

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

being just visible, and that was all — so much so that
they might easily have been mistaken for natives.
After rowing a short distance we reached the jetty*
which was made of wood, and projected into the sea,
and our luggage safe landed, for which they charged
the moderate sum of £2, for about twenty minutes'
rowing.

There was no one to meet us, the steamer being
two hours before its time. We inquired of the boat-
man what would be the best for us to do. He very
politely replied, " Go to the town and see." Nothing
could be done but by going to the township, to find
the friend who had invited us over, and paid our
passage (who, I would observe, was an old servant
who worked for us when at Ipswich, and who was now
in prosperity). I now espied some who were real
natives, for they were as black as niggers.

Several of the locks of our boxes had been broken
during the voyage, and, after a short consultation, we
determined to fill two carpet bags with the most
valuable articles, and risk leaving the rest to either
thieves or natives. The sun was shining fiercely over-
head ; the sand, through which we had to walk, was so
hot I did not know how to bear it ; consequently, I
wished myself back in Old England, where the climate
was more temperate. A steep ridge of mountains,
which we had to climb, was before us, and on arriving
at the summit we saw the little town below. I sat
down on a stone wearied, while my husband went to
seek for this friend ; and I felt thankful to the Lord
that here I could raise my Ebenezer, and in truth say,
"Thus far my God hath led me." I felt a secret hope

se.

> much so that
tn for natives,
ched the jetty*
:d into the sea,
1 they charged
venty minutes'

steamer being
d of the boat-
do. He very
see." Nothing
unship, to find
and paid our
an old servant
'\ who was now
who were real
rs.

id been broken
onsultation, we
vith the most

rest to either
g fiercely over-
to walk, was so
onsequently, I
ere the climate

of mountains,
md on arriving

below. I sat
sband went to
ul to the Lord
id in truth say,
t a secret hope

Old Friends and Neiv Arrangements,

that He would still direct, lead, and preserve us in
this, for a time, our adopted land.

Our friend was soon found, and, with several others
from Ipswich, gave us a hearty welcome, and soon
entertained us with a sumptuous repast. For three
days there was great rejoici' g ; then our luggage was
seen after, and, to our great -surprise, we found every-
thing had remained on the jetty as we left it.

An offer was made us by our friend to remain with
him ; but, as we preferred living alone, we bought a
small tent, and pitched it in the bush not far from the
township. In a week or two there was a great rush to
Ararat. A party was formed to go, among whom riiy
husband was one, and a gentleman, who was a widower
with two children, of whom he much wished me to
take charge, promising, if successful, he with my hus-
band, would return and fetch us. Neither myself nor
my husband at that time knew what the diggings
were.

The spot where we had pitched the tent was very
lonely, and my husband, not wishing to leave me
almost cvlone in the bush, after a short consultation,
we hired a weather-board house in the township. It
was a small one, having only one bed-room, and that
with just room for one bedstead ; one sitting-room,
which had to serve the purpose of kitchen, pantry*
scullery, and anything else that was required ; not an
inch of garden ground ; and for this " illigant spacious
mansion " I paid th'? sum of I2i". per week, \2s, for a
load of wood, and io.f. for a load of water, consisting
of about sixteen buckets. . • ' -^

After seeing me safe in my new habitation they

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

started for the gold-field, Ararat, leaving in my care
the two children. Two months passed away, and I
received no tidings whatever. This rendered me very
uneasy. I began to think it was high rime that I got
something to do, feeling a reserve must be left for the
rest, as it might be some time before I heard from my
husband, if ever, and I could not see the little ones
left in my care come to want.

I had given my husband all the money I could con-
veniently spare, though he was not willing to take it.
I counted what I had, and found that I had but a
small portion left, which would only last but a short
time. I went into the wee bed-room, and begged that
the Lord would bring back my husband, or provide
for me, and not leave me in my days of adversity. I
had just concluded my prayer, when a rap came at
the door. Wiping my face, for I had been weeping
(reader, do not deem me weak), I went to the door and
found it was my landlady, who had come to inquire if
I would help her to do a little work for a gentleman,
who had come to her house from England, and was
leaving for Melbourne. She regarded me for a few
moments and then exclaimed, " Why, you have been
crying! You'll kill yourself! You have much more to
learn here yet ! You must not fret ! " I thought it was
enough to make one fret ; no husband, no earthly
friends, and cash getting short, besides having two
little ones to keep. It was Saturday morning, and,
having consented to assist her, she sent me sixteen
shirts to wash. I got them up and took them home
the same afternoon, and imagine my surprise on re-
ceiving for my labour the sum of sixteen shillings.

A Siispicions Death.

ig in my care
i away, and I
Icrcd me very
me that I got
be left for the
card from my
le little ones

y I could con-
ng to take it.

I had but a
t but a short
i begged that
d, or provide

adversity. I

rap came at
been weeping

the door and
I to inquire if
a gentleman,
and, and was
ne for a few
)u have been
iiuch more to
lought it was
, no earthly

having two
orning, and,

me sixteen

them home
•prise on re-
en shillings.

My heart was full, being filled with the sense of the
goodness of the Lord. " O ye of little faith, be not
cast down, for your God shall deliver you in the hour
of the deepest distress: for even while you are calling
He will answer."

After this I did not pass my days in idleness, as the
reader may imagine, for I had emploAincnt in stitch-
ing ladies' side-saddles with ornamental work, for
which I received 5s. each, and doing often as many as
three in the course of the day.

Eleven weeks had passed, and still no tidings of my
husband. My landlady and I became greatly attached
to each other, almost like sisters. She would often
try to cheer me up by relating the trials she had under-
gone when they arrived. It was, however, ordained
that I should not long enjoy her friendship. She
became unwell, through a severe cold, and her husband
advised her to have some medicine, which he procured
for her at a chemist's shop, and at the same time he
procured some strychnine to destroy rats, as he said.
Rats, fortunately, were very scarce; in fact, there were
none about the place. The same evening I made a
call, and remained with her till she retired to rest,
when I took leave of her for the night, promising to
visit her again in the morning. I had not been home
many minutes when the daughter came to my house,
and said that her mother was taken suddenly worse. I
ran at once across their garden, being the nearest
way to the house. On entering the bed-room, I saw
that she was in great agony, and apparently dying. I
could not express my feelings, for I thought that foul
play had been enacted. The symptoms and way in

7rm

ill.

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

which I found her were unmistakeably those of that
powerful and subtle poison, strychnine — her head,
arms, and legs, being all turned the adverse way. T
caught hold of the bedstead to support myself, when
the doctor arrived, and while he was satisfying himself
that life was extinct, I turned round and saw on the
dressing-table some paper, which apparently had con-
tained a powder, with a cup and glass standing close
by ; and, upon examining the paper, we found it was
labelled " Poison," which the husband on the day of
trial acknowledged to have given her by mistake.
Many a night I had no rest. It seemed quite clear
the Lord intended me to have no earthly prop to my
confidence, and in Him alone I must trust.

I now formed a resolution in my own mind that I,
with God's help, would try to find my husband, though
it should cost me my life. I packed a few things up,
bought some canvas for a good tent, with some iron
and deal, so that, if not successful in my search, I
should have a place to be in. I also bought cheese,
tea, sugar, and other articles, which I heard were dear
on the gold-fields. I hired two horses and a dray, and
engaged a driver, who was represented to me as being
a steady man, and bearing good report. I was now
much perplexed as to what I should do with the resi-
due of the goods which I felt it would be necessary to
leave behind me. On leaving England I had brought
every kind of linen, and also several articles for do-
mestic use. These were all carefully packed up ; I
had also boxes of shoes and wearing apparel. I was
fully persuaded it would be folly to take them to the
diggings, as it would be expensive to convey them

In Search of my Husband.

ose of that
-her head,
rse way. T
iN'scIf, when
''^wg himself
saw on the
y had con-
iing close
oiind it was
the day of
)y mistake,
quite clear
prop to my

lind that I,
ind, though
things up,
1 some iron
r search, I
jht cheese,
1 were dear
1 dray, and
le as being
I was now
h the resi-
3cessary to
id brought
les for do-
^'ed up ; I
el. I was
em to the
vey them

about, and the most feasible plan seemed to leave
them ; for if I did not stay in the fields I should
return to claim them. A person in the town offered
to take care of all goods I left ; so I made up my
mind to leave them. I would here just give those of
my readers who have any intention of going abroad,
a caution not to take more goods than what would be
required on the voyage, for they can all be purchased
there at the same, or nearly the same, as in England ;
and the money saved in that way would not prove
the incumbrance that the luggage would do ; and,
again, you may be deprived of them the same as we
were, for we never saw our goods again, or even the
place we left them at. After a while I had my bed
sent to me, but the carriage cost me as much as I
could have made two beds for.

All was now ready to start, when a man came to
■ )«•/ house and said he had a letter for me from my
husband, and which had been eight weeks on the
road. The conveyance by which it came was a
heavy- laden bullock-dray, and accordingly travelled
slow. Upon opening the letter I found it to contain
two ten-pound notes ; but even this did not alter my
determination of going to where my husband was.
Committing myself to the Lord, the journey was com-
menced. All went on well for the first two days, when
it set in to rain, at a rate to which I was totally unac-
customed, coming down literally in torrents. It was
in June ; that being a winter month, the driver feared
the rain would last some time. He was anything
but an obliging man, for every night when we camped
I had to collect boughs, which of course were wet,

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

and which I laid beneath the dray, making them lay
as smooth as I could, to answer the purpose of a bed,
and threw blankets over them; while the children
and myself rolled ourselves up in more blankets, and
laid down for the night. Though my little ones slept
'oundly, sleep forsook me, for I did not feel quite safe

th my drayman. lie slept on the dray, over which
lie threw a tilt, to keep him from the wet, and also to
protect some groceries which were under his care,
and which he was taking to the diggings to sell.
The tilt hanging down on each side of the cart
formed excellent curtains, preventing the rain from
beating upon us. Of course unrobing was out of the
question. I now began to learn what life in the bush
was. I found that the Lord was not in the wind, or
yet in the storm, but in the still small voice of love
and mercy, which He now and then spoke to my soul,
and thereby strengthened my faith : for I must confess
I had a fear of my driver, but often thought that the
Lord influenced him, and so kept him quiet ; for he
only spoke three times during the journey of ninety-
eight miles. When we encamped, he would go a
good distance to prepare and get his meals, which
compelled me to gather sticks to make our "billie"
boil, and which is a vessel something like a milk tin,
as my little ones were too small to help me. When
going up steep hills, rugged rocks, and through rivers,
as several had to be forded, I was obliged to fasten
the children to me, to prevent them from falling, for
sometimes the dray was almost perpendicular.

Arriving at the gold-field named Ararat, I need
scarcely say how delighted I was, after the march.

Arrival at Ararat.

ing them lay
xsc of a bed,
the children
)lankets, and
Ic ones sl([)t
-'cl quite safe
, over wliicli
, and also to
cr his care,
ngs to sell,
of the cart
le rain from
s out of the
: in the bush
the wind, or
oice of love
i to my soul,
must confess
ght that the
luiet ; for he
y of ninety-
would go a
leals, which
)ur "billie"
a milk tin,
me. When
ough rivers,
:d to fasten
I falling, for
liar.

rat, I need
the march,

which had extended over eleven days. It was with no
small trouble that I found my husband, for upon the
diggings were a vast multitude of people. The driver
went about the diggings and inquired for " Tom Hol-
land ;" for the diggers do not make any distinction,
and had he inquired for Mr. Holland or Mr. Thomas
Holland, it would have been a great chance if that
gentleman could have been found. The driver found
that the children's father, or Tom Holland, as he called
him, was with my husband, and finding him, said,
" Does Tom Holland live here .''" My husband replied in
the affirmative, whereupon the driver rejoined, "Well,
I've brought his wife and children." My husband
told him he was mistaken, for Holland had no wife.
The driver was quite hard in belief, and then fell to
cursing and swearing as only a bullock driver can.
My husband came out of his tent to where the cart
was, and there found me, like a little bird perched
upon a tree. He appeared very much frightened,
even much more than myself, to think that I had
ventured up through nothing but bush, in which
murders were daily perpetrated. The father of the
children was not at all pleased to sec them, and at
once took them and went to some other diggings,
where he was never afterwards beard of more or seen
by us.

rsf- •

CHAPTER VI.

Oup First Encampment. Lynch Law.— A Good " Rush." —
Thieves. —A Suspicious Character. — Singular Death. —
Removal. — Crossing Creeks.

FTER our mutual congratulations, I at once
set to work to make our tent with the can-
V.' which I had so providentially brought
with me, as it would have cost there three times as
much as I had paid for "t.

This was my first encampment upon the gold-
field, a situation I by no means approved of, being
surrounded by all kinds of horrible noises, such as the
cry of " Murder ! " men fighting, others falling into
worked-out pits, through getting drunk. Several were
killed in this way ; many were robbed of their gold,
and then thrown down the worked-out claim or pit,
either killed outright, or lay lingering with broken
bone.s, to die a solitary death. Then, when the " fos-
sicker" (that is, a man wiio, not having sufficient funds
at command to bear the expenses of a claim, and
who is compelled to gc m p pit supposed to be
worked out, to try to find a little gold, which some-
times he is fortunate to do), then, and only then, are
the poor fellows who have fallen in these pits dis-
covered, and oftentimes too late to be of any assis-

Lynch Law.

tance ; and the fossikers oftentimes in their searches
for gold do much better than the owner of the claim.
Firing off of guns and pistols, and shrieking men
and women, was something awful to contemplate; but
such was life upon the gold-field. One day, when
busily employed outside the tent, I was horrified to
•f see a large number of men dragging a man to an
old tree, which was just opposite where I was. I
inquired the reason of this procedure, and was
informed he was going to be " lynched," for robbing
and shooting his mate. At this period I was a
stranger to this form of law, and did not know what
kind of punishment was inflicted upon a man who
was to be lynched ; but I surmised the punishment
must be something dreadful, judging from the con-
tortions and grimaces made by the delinquent. Not
wishing to see the tragedy perpetrated, I begged the
men to take him further into the bush, for I did not
want to see him after the administration of the law.
The men acceded to my request, and took him
further into the bush, out of my sight ; and I after-
wards heard that he had been hung, or, as the men
said, " They had been teaching him to dance a horn-
pipe in the air," and had buried him in the bush.

This " rush " proved a good one, and was termed
the " Black Man's Lead," a term used by the diggers
for a run or seam of gold. It was discovered by an
American Indian, and was therefore called the Black
Man's Lead. The scarcity of water occasioned great
expense to the miners, and for cooking and domestic
use we paid from \s. to \s. 6d. per bucket. Many
cleaned their plates by rubbing them with hot ashes,,

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

il!-

and then polish them up with a clean cloth, instead of
washing them.

Robbery and murder still continued to be rampant,
through the greedy gain of gold. Bushrangers and
ticket-of-leave men always knew who were getting
gold, for in the day-time they would take a pick and
shovel, and go round pretending to be diggers, in
order to see who had the largest heaps of washed dirt,
which sometimes contained a great quantity of gold,
that they might take some of it, unless a strict watch
was kept over it, and even attempt to murder the men
who were watching it. Others would walk round, and
endeavour to see into tents in the day-time, a plan
that for some time answered well for them. For some
days I observed a fellow constantly walking past our
domicile, when he would stop opposite the door, and
stare very hard into the interior as much as possible.
The claim which belonged to us was yielding very
well at this time. Feeling sure that he had watched
our men at work in the claim, and that he intended
us no good, I felt very uneasy about it. I told my
husband about it, and said I should pray to the Lord
about that man, which I did daily for more than a
fortnight. The man still continued his practice of
strict surveillance, and I began to have great fear
that the Lord would not answer my prayers. Like
Mercy at the gate, in " Pilgrim's Progress," it caused
me to knock louder and in good earnest. Three weeks
passed, and one Sabbath morning I felt as if I could
not cease wrestling with God, that He would not
allow the man to do us any harm. But no promise
came to my mind to give me comfort. But the same

ead of

npant,
s and
etting
k and

gold,

<»ri

A Good "Rushr

day, in the afternoon, as the man was passing our
tent, he fell down when opposite the door. It was
soon discovered that he was dead. When the people
were carrying him away, I thanked the Lord for such
a display of sovereign love. The Lord might have
permitted him to have died in the bush, and it never
have come to my knowledge, causing me to continue
living in fear. It soon bee? ae known to the diggers
that he belonged to that class who were a terror to
all honest men.

Several weeks passed on, and the claims were
almost worked out. Numbers started off to another
rush, called V Ay Creek Rush, and ' e amongst the
rest, starting, above all days, on a Sunday afternoon.
In travelling many hardships had to be endured.
Riding \va out of the question, except when ford-
ing creeks, as there were diggers' tubs, picks, and
sh(A'els, and all other requisites, which had to be
carried. There were thirty in the party, including
two l;t(' s and myself When we had got about five
mile >\\ the road, we came to one of these creeks.
We women immediately mounted the top of the dray.
When we got into the middle of the creek, our horse
suddenly stopped, refused to proceed • 'y farther, and
was equally unwilling to retrace his steps. Another
horse was put to help him forward, but even this failed
to make any impression upon him, and the men at
last had to wade in and carry the things to the
opposite shore, and then returning, put a cord round
the neck of the stupid animal, and thus compelled it
to go to the shore. During the journey the rain set
in. Whole days we had to walk in a pelting rain.

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

For many miles we had to make the road ourselves,
by cutting through the brushwood. At night large
tents had to be erected, by throwing ropes over a fork
on a tree, and fastening it. The single men had a
tent made in the same manner ; but if the weather
was fine, we would all sit round the fire, with no
covering except the canopy of heaven. Fires are
invariably made when there is an encampment, either
day or night, never failing to have one or two on
watch if at night. The heavy rains which had fallen
caused many of the creeks to be much fuller than
usual, and which made it bad for all, especially the
poor horses. The way in which we crossed these
creeks may be interesting, and possibly be of benefit
to all who intend going abroad. On arriving at the
banks, a consultation was held as to the best method
of crossing. After various suggestions had been made,
it was finally agreed that some of the men should
swim across, while others tied ropes to the dray. A
horse was then unfastened, and one man rode upon it
into the creek, carrying the ropes to those who had
already ^qcvq before, and who, upon getting the ropes,
tied them, to a tree. The man then returned with
the horse, which was fastened to the one already in
the shafts of the dray, and then, with the united
efforts of man r nd horse, the dray was deposited in
triumph on the opposite side, to the great relief of the
ladies, who were mounted upon the top, and who
during the transit were in fear of being capsized into
the swollen stream. We, however, determined that
the next creek we came to we would swim, instead of
getting upon the dray, but secretly hoped that there

«.«>

Dear Provisions.

would not be a creek to swim. However, our party-
were not the only ones ; thousands were going,
and in the same plight as ourselves, seeking for the
new rush.

A few days after another creek presented itself,
and we had now the opportunity of showing our
newly-acquired valour and art of swimming. We
proceeded a good distance down the bank, and after
various preliminaries had been gone through, with a
bundle of apparel upon each of our heads, and having
on our bathing-dresses, with many fears as to our
safety, we managed to launch ourselves into the
.stream, and in a short time, panting and gasping like
fish out of water, we reached the opposite bank in
safety, and soon joined the rest of the party.

After a wearisome march we reached the gold-field,
and were far from being sorry. But we regretted to
find that everything was dreadfully expensive — a
four-pound loaf of bread fetching from 5s. to 6s. ;
flour, ;^ 10 to ^12 per bag; and bread could not be
bought unless you went to one of the shanties and
bought a nobbier, which consisted of a little brandy
in the bottom of a tumbler ; but the sober part of
the diggers would not put up with such imposition,
and all agreed to meet the bakers, stop them, take
their bread, and leave the money in the cart. This
they put into execution for several days, until the
" nobbier " system failed. Many people for a long
time used nothing but "damper" in their families,
which was very unwholesome and very indigestible,
being made of flour and water. Some would put in

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

I' I

eggs, but as a rule they were far too dear, being for a
long time sold from 6s. to I2s. per dozen. The
" damper," when well kneaded, was made into one
large loaf, measuring from half a yard to three-
quarters of a yard across, and about six inches thick.
A large fire was made. When it had well burnt
down, a place was cleared in the centre of the ashes,
and the damper was set in, the ashes being raked
over it, completely covering it with the fire. When
properly baked it would turn out very clean, no ashes
adhering to it. A better plan is adopted now by the
more careful housewife on the gold-field, by making
her own yeast, that her bread might be more
palatable and profitable, for much flour was wasted,
the damper being anything but light. The process of
yeast making requires a quarter-pound of hops to a
tea-cup full of brown sugar, which was boiled in
water for twenty minutes to half an hour, then passed
through a sieve into a vessel, and then, v/hen suffi-
ciently cool for being worked, some of the last made
was poured into it, stirring it well up, then a little
flour sprinkled into it over the surface, and cover-
ing it up till the next morning, when it would be
splendid yeast, ready to bottle up. By this plan we
never failed to have light bread. I had an iron oven,
which was round, and stood upon three feet, with an
iron lid and ring for lifting up. I used to put six
small-sized loaves in this oven and cover them up,
putting fire on the lid and all round, with a little
under the bottom, and so kept feeding the fire till it
was baked, which, however, did not take long. The

Working the " Claims'''

ng for a
The
nto one
threa-
ds thick.
1 burnt
ashes,
raked
When
no ashes
/ by the
making
; more
■wasted,
rocess of
^ps to a
Diled in
n passed
len suffi-
st made
I a Httle
d cover-
/ould be
plan we
on oven,
with an
put six
hem up,
I a Httle
re till it
ig. The

bread ate very sweet when baked in this manner, and
at the present time thousands bake their bread in the
same way.

We pitched our tent but temporarily, for my hus-
band went to see after marking out claims, and
getting men to watch them. These men are by the
diggers called shepherds, and obtain high wages for
this employment, as every one who marks out a
claim docs not sink it at once, but watches those who
are sinking, and then, if they strike gold, the first
thing to learn is which way the gold dips or runs,
which, if running in the direction of the claim marked
out, and which your shepherd is watching, then in
good earnest, working day and night, down goes the
shaft, and if it proved to be worth working when
bottomed, they next proceed to fence in the claim
by the men making a small tunnel all round, each
party being very particular to leave three feet of
wall between each claim, and when both claims are
worked out, the owner of each claim takes one foot
and a half of the wall which was left, to wash in
search of gold, I have known some who have been
so fond of burrowing in the earth, that they have
taken two or three inches more than they were
entitled to, and have had to pay dearly for it, by
giving several ounces of gold, according to the rich-
ness of the washed dirt so found. Some claims are
composed of cement, and had to be gadzed, which
resembled chiselling, the cement having to be burnt,
in order that the gold can be extracted ; other claims
are of softer soil, but all claims are well propped, to

E 2

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

prevent accidents. Sometimes water is struck, caus-
ing great loss to the diggers. The wood for his props
cost him nothing, for the trees of the forest are there
for him to choose from, either for his work or tent-
building. One morning, an old lady and her husband
had been "surfacing," that is, taking all the soil to
wash, to the size of the claim, and in doing so they
came to a fortunate spot. In washing one tin of the
dirt, it yielded several pounds weight of gold, so that
they had to be protected until the police could reach
the spot taking charge of the gold, ready for the
escort to Melbourne, where it was deposited, the
owner paying sixpence per ounce for its protection.
Each claim is worked by four or six men, and some-
times, after working for several weeks, they would be
disgusted, though they did not give up digging, thus
finding it was not "all gold that glittered." Then
might be heard booming over the hills, and in the
valleys, the. falling of gigantic trees. In the meantime,
streaks of canvas had arisen, in the shape of stores,
and which received the title of township ; yet, in spite
of these stores, everything could be bought, such as
meat and spirits of every kind, and from a silk dress
to a tin pot, yet up goes a "shanty" or "Tom and
Jerry," which has been, and still is, the curse of the
colony. Every vice and wickedness is practised by
those who frequent these dens of iniquity ; card-
playing, quoits, and gambling of every description
going on on Sundays more than any other day.

The discharging of firearms every evening, by the
diggers, is a general rule on all gold-fields. Thou-

Unpleasant Bedfellows.

:, caus-
s props
e there
)r tent-
lusband
soil to
so they
of the
so that
d reach
for the
ed, the
)tection,
d some-
ould be
ig, thus
Then
in the
antime,
stores,
|in spite
uch as
k dress
m and
of the
sed by
card-
ription

)y the
Thou-

sands turn out, when all guns and pistols are fired,
making the woods re-echo with the sound. The
diggers then re-load, so as to be ready for any
emergency, in case robbers disturb the peaceful slum-
bers. Many get round the fires, and there relate
some wonderful adventures, and well-spun yarns, of
which they were the heroes; and so each will tell his
own tale till it is time to turn into their bunks or
beds. In summer time, sometimes the digger was
honoured by company, who was in full possession of
his bed, in the shape of a snake ten or twelve feet
long, and all through the night he received a gentle
tickling from the numerous mosquitoes ; and in the
day-time he was kept alive by the flies, who delighted
in findmg their way into his nostrils, eyes, ears, or
anywhere else where they could insinuate themselves.
The snake, however, when found, was soon ejected
from his newly-acquired possession, and summarily
dispatched without trial by jury ; but the flies and
mosquitoes were not so easily got rid of. It is equally
necessary to keep watch at the tent, as well as having
firearms, if you have a good claim, and keep your
gold in the tent. If single young men do not camp
close to the married ones' tents, they seldom escape
having their tents robbed. I have known them to
bury their gold in the centre of the tent, and yet the
thieves have found its hiding-place.

I have no doubt that a description of the interior
of my tent would be interesting to my readers, so I
will just give a bird's-eye view of it. It was divided
into sitting-room and bed-room, each of which were

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

about fifteen feet square, a chintz-covered canvas
dividing the two rooms, the same material being used
all round the tent. The floor was first covered with
flour bags, on the top of which was placed the carpet.
My bedsteads were made of rustic wood, made by
driving four stakes in the ground, with sides and
cross pieces, forming a complete four-poster. On the
cross pieces were heavy curtains, to prevent the
mosquito from obtaining entrance, which, if not pre-
vented, would disturb and destroy the blissful state of
repose. The bed used on this occasion was made of
long grass, which I cut up with a knife, for we had
not been able to get our beds up from Warhambool
yet. Our mattresses were made of the same material.
The furniture was also rustic, and were my own
design and make, and which consisted of easy-chairs,
settee, sofa, and tables, constructed as follows. I pro-
cured an American flour barrel, and cut out three
staves midway, which were placed at the back to
raise it a little higher. Then cutting four staves,
which were two on each side, one fourth down to
form the arms, and filling a sack with grass, I placed
it in the barrel, thus forming the seat ; the back and
arms all padded, and covered with chintz, with an
extra cushion, made the easy-chair complete, and it
was not a bad seat for a summer-house. The sofa
was a fixture, which was made as follows : — The four
legs were four posts driven into the ground, the two
back ones being longer than the front. The ends of
the sofa were made with two rustic sticks, two strong
pieces being nailed across lower down, to hold the

Rustic Tent Furniture.

1 canvas
ling used
red with
le carpet,
made by
ides and
On the
i/ent the
not pre-
l state of
; made of
- we had
hambool
material,
my own
y-chairs,
I pro-
)ut three
back to
staves,
down to
I placed
)ack and
with an
, and it
"he sofa
"he four
the two
ends of
^o strong
hold the

slabs which formed the seat. The settee was made in
the same manner, and like its companions was stuffed
with grass. The tables were four stakes driven in
the ground, upon which was placed a top made of a
sheet of bark, which a native peeled off a gum tree
for the purpose ; and, when a cloth was thrown over,
them, formed useful tables, as well as an ornament to
the tent, The dressing-table was further ornamented
with Colt's revolvers, two pairs of pistols, tomahawk,
and two double-barrelled guns. The chimney was
constructed of sods, cut in squares, like bricks, but
much thicker, and, when built, was plastered with
clay on the inside, and chalk stones were beat up,
with which I white-washed the interior of the hearth.
My tent was then complete, and very comfortable,
having another little tent as a kitchen, and another
alongside that for the purpose of a stable. The only
thing which I was grieved at was, many times we
remained but a few weeks in one place, and through
shifting all had to be re-made, however I began to
feel somewhat adept in the art of making furniture.

CHAPTER VII.

A Visitor. — I Fipk at Him, and Wake my Husband.— A
Rhyming Lktiir. — Off Again. — A Bush Fiuk. — Safu
Arrival.

URING our stay in this place, we were
honoured by a visit from one of the gentry
whom I have before described. Mr. Stannard
(my husband) and myself took watch alternately.
The door of our dwelling at this time was simply a
flour-bag, which was hung up in such a manner that
a large dog which we kept could enter at will. One
night it came in and laid its paw upon me, making no
noise ; his doing so gave me to understand that all
was not right outside. Listening to ascertain more
accurately the meaning of my faithful dog's warning, I
soon arrived at the only conclusion left. What was I
to do ? — for whatever it might be, if a man, it was his
object, without a doubt, to commit robbery, and
perhaps murder, rather than be foiled in his scheme.
My reader will not be surprised to know that being
placed in such a position, and in such a state as the
diggings were then, I was greatly agitated with fearful
foreboding of evil. Every moment seemed an hour,
though we were well provided for every emergency.

A Visitor.

I felt that some prompt and decisive step must be
attempted. To show a light would not do, for it
might have taken the robber by surprise, and it might
not, for the robbers on the gold-fields were not easily
frightened ; and thus in the struggle of mind what to
do and what to let alone, this thought suggested itself
to me, — to step lightly upon the bed, which stood
across the end of the tent, and through a slit, which
had been left in the canvas to allow the air to pass
through, by means of a forked stick placed cross-way,
I should be able to see if i:t was anything to fear,
when, confirming my first opinion, there stood a giant-
like fellow, and whom I might have easily caught by
the hair of the head, it being only just below the slit
or window. Everything was quiet in the tent, nothing
being heard except the heavy breathing of my hus-
band, who was fast asleep, and which, no doubt, the
fellow could hear. It was a fine, clear night, and
everything outside was hushed to sleep, no sound being
heard except the gentle rustling of the leaves, caused
by the fellow outside touching the temporary fence
surrounding the tent. As I gently stepped back —
for it was essential to safety to keep quiet and almost
breathless — I heard a sharp instrument cutting the
canvas close to the head of my husband. The sus-
pense was now becoming almost intolerable ; another
moment and the fatal stab might have been given,
and the same fate awaiting myself. Once more the
canvas is cut. Reader, what a situation was this !
The moment was critical ! Should I awaken my hus-
band to a sense of the danger that was present .''

WlPW'i'l"!

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

it!

i li;

« ! '

No ! r felt that to be impossible, for while I should
be arcasing him the fatal blow would have been given,
rendering all comparatively easy for the miscreant,
who had come w<"th the full intention of committing
a desperate robbery. I did not want to give the
robber a knowledge of our whereabouts, and with one
ejaculatory prayer I felt that the time was arrived that
I must be desperate, knowing that a desperate case
required desperate treatment. I reached forth my
hand and took my revolver, and a moment after I saw
the bright gleam of the knife upraised over my husband,
and which soon would liave done its work ;.but the
next moment I saw the hand fall, for, in breathless
anxiety, I had clutched the pistol too tight on the
trigger, causing it to explode several times in quick
succession. My husband sprang up, thinking I had
shot myself, but at the same moment he noticed my
appearance, and instantly comprehended the state of
affairs. We kept very (jiiet, though we heard many
voices, as nictny of the diggers had, at great risk,
ventured ou^- of their habitations at that hour. \y''e,
however, ''till kept quiet ; but did not hear the fellow
go away from our tent, though by some means he
disappeared, apparently satisfied with his attempt, for
he never again t-oubled us. On the same night, a
neighbour, a tobacconist, and who was supposed to
be very rich, was also aroased by another of the same
gang going to his tent. He, however, on getting up
went to the door, when a blow was aimed at his head,
but failed in the effect intended. He, however, quickly
fired and shot the robber dead, who proved to be the

A Rhyming Letter,

should
n given,
screant,
imitting
ive the
ith one
-ed that
ite case
>rth my
^r I saw
usband,
but the
pathless

on the
1 quick

I had
:ed my
tate of

many
it risk,
'. v'^e,

fellow
ans he

pt, for

•,ht, a

sod to

same
iig up
head,
uickly
3e the

ring-leader of a gang for whom the police had been
searching /or months.

But to resume the narrative. The claims now being
worked out, we prepared for another rush to the White
Leed at Ararat. I was not at all sorry, for the fear
of these robbers made me quite uneasy. Previous to
starting, I received several letters from old England ;
one contained a few lines written by a good old
Christian friend at Brompton, near London, whose
age numbered ninety summers, while standing at the
counter in his shop, and which ran thus : —

" Well, as I have a little time,
,. I'll write a little more in rhyme.

My paper you will see is thin,
So I can the more put in.

"And thus can keep within the weight,
To make my crooked matters straight.
When sixpence only I shall pay,
Instead of throwing one away.

" Wisdom like the serpent this,
But it will never purchase bliss,
I must lie harmless like the dove,
It will be so if God I love.

" May these few lines find l:)oth in liealth,
Witli little of Australian wealtli ;
And when in prayer you bend the knee.
Think, I pray, of worthless me.

" For much I really stand in need, —
For me, t i>ray, you'll intercede.
My God, I know, will answer prayer ;
Pray, then, and He will lend llis ear.

" Ever since you left this place.
For you I have prayed before His face,
I That He would guide you safe to shore.

For this, 1 say, I did implore.

" I find I did not pray in vain.
The shore you might in safety gain.
I do not know one single day.
When I for you forgot to pray.

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

" No, ever since you left this place,
Sucli lias really been the case ;
And as I did not pray in vain,
I still will try and pray again.

" But this paper looks so bad,
It will not be wisdom more to add,
And though to you it may seem dark,
I trust that you are in the ark.

" So now, dear friends, I say farewell.
May I with you in Heaven dwell !
Our prayers will then be turned to praise.
And that through everlasting days."

These few verses, though simple in reading, the
meaning was great, and extended not only to our
temporal but eternal good, and never failed to cheer
and brighten my rough pathway of care.

Our packing was now all done, and once more a
goodly company were ready to start. I was very
pleased to find that the same two ladies, with whom
we had previously travelled, were, with their husbands,
going with us. It was something wonderful and
pleasing to see, that though they had not been brought
up to a hard life, how well they braved the hardships
of a digger's life.

The weather was at this time the height of the
Australian summer. We had scarcely started before
the hot wind began to blow, which lulled a little in
the evening, but only to commence with fresh vigour
on the following morning. One morning we dis-
covered that there was danger ahead, for we heard the
rushing sound of a bush fire. Wliat should we do for
our preservation ? Whatever we decided upon must be
done quickly, as the fire would travel almost as fast
as a horse can gallop. To turn back was useless, and
to go forward worse than madness. The men hurried

Bush Fire.

the
"ore
in
our
dis-
til e
for
be
fast
md
'ied

the horses out of the drays, and covered them with
cloths to prevent them from feehng much of the fire ;
others took the drays into a spot as clear of trees as
possible ; others set fire to the grass on which we were
encamped ; while one of the ladies with myself procured
boughs and beat it completely out, until the spot where
we were was all burnt, there being no grass to fire when
it would reach our circle. Here we all suffered most
acutely from heat, fne being on all sides ; we were
compelled to lie down with our faces on the ground.
Soon many unwelcome visitors made their appear-
ance, such as lizards, snakes, scorpions, oppossums,
and kangaroos, rushing from the fire. It is impossible
to describe our feelings, when for many hours we lay
in terror. Evening at length brought a little respite,
though the heat was still intense, the trees all being
on fire around us. The horses and dogs had their
tongues hanging out of their mouths for want of water.
We ourselves were not much better ofT, being just
able to speak ; but we resorted to the expedient of
keeping a small stone in our mouths, which answered
admirably in keeping the tongue moist. A heavy
dew hp.ving fallen, we were enabled in the morning
to agrjn start on our journey, though for many miles
we went through a forest of burning trees. Five days
after, however, we reached our destination — White
Leed, Ararat, where it soon became known that I was
on the field ; in fact, my horse was even better known
than myself.

How mysterious and intricate is the path we are
called upon to tread ! Some are called to this and

,^-

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

that strange rough and thorny path through dangers
seen and unseen, while others for years travel on in
the same quiet way. True, it is we see through a
glass darkly in this life, but we see sufficiently clear
to trace the love and preserving care of the Almighty
in the events through which we have to pass. Many
such events as just described daily occur in the gold-
fields, where human life is a chain of events, some
being more startling than others.

" Clod moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform."

The wonder-working Hand of our God is to be seen
daily in His providential dealings with His people,
but it is to be feared that numbers who profess to be
disciples scarcely notice His dealings. The Lord often
works silently, yet the impress of His power is on all and
in all, that essentially concerns those who love and
walk in His ways. The joy and peace that accompany
the sense of His divine approbation can only be under-
stood by those who from day to day are watching the
Hand of their God working for them, in them, and
by them. " These are they who understand the
loving-kindness of the Lord," both in Providence and
grace, causing their hearts to be glad and rejoice in
Him, who at the daw^ning of each day brings fresh
knowledge of that rolling tide of God's everlasting
love to His Church.

isting

CHAPTER VIII.

Professional Work. — A Prodigal Son. — Old Friends. — My
Husband joins a Prospecting Party. — In Pursuit again. —
Lost. — A Strange Animal.— Grand Scenery and Gloomy
Prospect. — " Coo-ee ! " — Found. — Another Removal. —
Bathers. — A Rescue.

Y time now became fully occupied in riding
from morning until night, visiting and ad-
ministering all the comfort, both temporal
and spiritual, that God enabled me to do to the sick
and the dying. If there was one sight on the gold-
fields that grieved me more than another, it was to
see a young man who had been once the joy and com-
fort of his home, fallen from that high and exalted
position which previous to entering the gold-field he
attained, by pursuing the path of virtue and temper-
ance, but now brought to experience destitution in
everything, and through the worst of all causes — in-
temperance. His health gone, no money, no beloved
friends, death fast approaching, no mother near to
kiss those frail and dying cheeks, and but a miserable
substitute for a resting-place, in that old tent, which
had been left as a cast-off by a more fortunate digger,
one who had not wasted his substance in riotous livintr
by visiting the grog-shops and gambling-shanties, but

il ■ I i

Merioirs of a Lady Nurse.

lis

one who had used that health and strength which
God had given him, not only to his own benefit, but
also to His fellow-creatures.

No one can tell what great joy it gives each heart
when old friends in foreign lands meet, except those
who are in foreign lands especially on the gold-fields.
Such was my joy when I met two who were travelling
with their faces looking towards Zion. It had been
many months since either of us had seen any who
named the name of the Lord, except it was in cursing.
I shall ever remember the intense feeling which per-
vaded my whole frame when they came to our tent.
After our greetings were over, we often met together
and enjoyed the unfoldings of Divine love, which
enabled us to exclaim, " Our meditation of Him shall
be sweet. We will rejoice and be glad in the Lord."
We opened our tents alternately for public worship,
and we humbly hoped that the seeds of truth which
were sown by us were blessed to many, for I am glad
to say that the place was filled. To render our little
meetings more harmonious, several singers joined us.
Afterwards, whatever field we were on, some of those
who had met with us before would be sure to find us
out again, as sure as our tents were open for prayer
and the reading of God's Word, which gave us great
pleasure, for though we were shut out from the more
abundant communion of the saints, we enjoyed the
presence of the Great Master, for truly God was with
us.

Whisperings of new gold at Dunnolly was heard,
and numbers were soon leaving for the new rush.

Lost in the Bush.

1 which
sfit, but

h heart

Dt those

d-fields.

aveUing

id been

ny who

:ursing.

ch per-

Lir tent.

ogether

, which

im shall

Lord."

orship,

1 which

m glad

r little

ned us.

f those

find us

prayer

great

d the

with

^leard,
rush.

Once more we were on the march, and leaving my
Christian friends, whose claim was not worked out.
On arriving at Dunnolly we found great numbers
there ; but it soon turned out to many to be a failure.
Mr. Stannard determined, in conjunction with two
others, who still went where we went, and camped
where we camped, to form a prospecting party, be-
lieving that gold was to be found in the locality. The
party was formed, and for several weeks carried on
with but little success. One of the ladies with myself
was very anxious to go out to them to the bush. It
' was several miles, yet we felt we should be able to
find the place, as we were promised that a notch
should be cut in the trees as a guide to enable us to
follow by the sun.

We started one morning well loaded with provisions
in the shape of little dainties for them. The scenery
was truly delightful, and in going after one beautiful
flower and another we lost our way. We then en-
deavoured to trace our way by the sun, now and
then giving the well-known cry of " Coo-ee," but re-

' ceived no reply. We wandered on, not daring to sit
down, for several hours; but at last we got so tired
that we sat down and refreshed ourselves, and then
resumed our journey, as we thought, for home, but
which proved to be quite the reverse. We saw a
mountain, which appeared to be about a mile from us,
and thinking if we climbed its summit we might be
able to see some of the fires on the field which we

.. had left, we directed our way to it, and with great
difficulty reached the summit, and, although we were
lost, we could not but admire the beauties of nature

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

spread out before us : quite different to some parts of
the bush, there being no brush-wood, but splendid
clumps of trees, and the grass being of a lively green,
made it appear more like a park. One tree which we
saAV, the name of which we could not learn, much
resembled the "acacia," only it boughs drooped, and
reaching the ground took root, from which sprang
another tree, until rows of them had grown and formed
avenues. This tree bore a very abundant supply of
white blossoms, which were no larger than the English
forget-me-not. On looking round we failed to dis-
cover any trace of fires, and therefore began to feel
cast down, believing that we were now beyond the
reach of help. We glanced anxiously around, and
looking down the opposite side of the mountain to
that we had ascended, we espied something moving,
which appeared of a light brown colour, and rather
larger than a Newfoundland dog, and having a rough
and shaggy hide, making its way up the mountain.
We watched it for a time to see which direction it
would take, when suddenly Mrs. Longman (my com-
panion) exclaimed, " It's a bear or a lion ! " to which
I replied, that it could not be, for I had never heard
of either having been seen in Australia. I tried to
cheer her up by telling her that we could outrun it, as it
was very sluggish in its walk. However, on it came,
and we began to descend, though a distance from it,
on the same side of the mountain that it was ascend-
ing, feeling sure it would not be able to attack us,
even if it felt inclined. We, however, escaped its
notice, and arrived in safety at the bottom ; but did
not again see the creature, which we supposed to be

" Coo-cer

parts of
splendid
y green,
A\\c\\ we
n, much
ped, and
1 sprang
d formed
upply of
I English
d to dis-
n to feel
yond the
und, and
untain to
■ moving,
id rather
a rough
ountain.
ection it
my com-
Ito which
er heard
tried to
n it, as it
it came,
from it,
[3 ascend-
;tack us,
:aped its
but did
d to be

an enemy. Overhead flew large flocks of cockatoos
and parrots, and the scenery around was a truly grand
panorama of beauty. In the midst of all this, we had
almost forgotten our position. A consultation was
held by us, upon which we decided to leave the spot
as quickly as possible. On we marched, and it being
very hot we were obliged to rest several times. Which
course to steer we did not know, and night was fast
approaching. We gladly reached a small elevated
spot as the sun was declining. We sat down as we
supposed for the night, thinking possibly we might
see some of the fires which were lighted always when
anyone was lost in the bush. Not a breath of air was
to be felt, not a sound to be heard, except the shrill
cry of the " carl," a bird which made a noise resem-
bling the cry of a child. Several hours passed, and
indeed they seemed to be of more than the allotted
space of time, when we were startled by the well-known
cry of " Coo-ee," and which instantly raised both fear
and hope in our minds, as bushrangers frequently
utter that cry to entrap poor lost victims. Was it
our friends } In anguish of mind we invoked the
presence of the ever-watchful Spirit to protect us.
Another cry again sounded, but this time it was much
nearer, and a well-known voice, as it was none other
than that of Mr. Buchanan. My husband had gone
in another direction to make search. We were both
too much overcome to rejoice, but were glad to find
means had been taken to rescue us from an awful
death in the bush, numbers having perished through
being lost. We reached home not very early the
next morning, where several who had been in search

F 2

ri ' i

Iff

[ill

hi
I

MoHoirs of a Lady Nurse.

of us soon after arrived, declaring that " we were not
to be found," but were deliglitcd to find that their
assertion was not true.

For the comfort of our men, we removed our tent
to more convenient quarters, where it was phiced in
a beautiful spot under the crest of a large mountain,
with a sheltering wmU of wood, and gigantic rocks
with creepers and flowers in wild profusion, and an
extensive prospect of mountains beyond mountains,
affording us a magnificent view of the wild bush, in
which we had so lately been lost, and from which we
had been so mercifully delivered.

A pretty green slope descended a few hundred feet
from the tent, and at the foot of which lay, in the
picturjsque valley below, a beautiful little river, with
its bright silvery streams sending forth gentle mur-
murings as it glided over each projecting rock, forming
a natural cascade, along which its silvery streams
went hither and thither far away, till the eye could
not trace its gentle wanderings, nor hear its sweet
music as it glided on through the romantic scenery ;
the wild bird now and then drinking of its refreshing
waters, until it joined to swell the depths of the
majestic deep blue sea, which bears on its bosom the
mighty ship engaged in the commerce of the world,
bringing to mind the words of Tennyson : —

" Men may come, and men may go,
But I go on for ever."

On each side of those enchanting streams stood various
trees, from light green to more sombre brown, giving
a grand effect to the mass, with here and there a

Saving Life.

c were not
that their

cd our tent
s placed in
: mountain,
antic rocks
ion, and an
mountains,
A^ild bush, in
n which we

hundred feet
I lay, in the
c river, with
gentle mur-
rock, forming
^ery streams
iie eye could

ar its sweet
[iitic scenery ;

its refreshing
|epths of the

ts bosom the

if the world.

stood various

Ibrown, giving

and there a

space, as if left by the great Creator for the benefit of
man to admire.

Many of the diggers came from all parts of the
field to these spots for the purpose of bathing. As the
part best suited for that purpose was just opposite
our tent, the authorities, not wishing us to be
annoyed, particularly on the Sunday, notices were
placed on the trees beside the waters to put a stop to
the bathing here ; but very little notice was taken of
them, and we ourselves, knowing the luxury of a bath
in the sultry day, could not complain.

One morning in December, the hottest month of
the year, I observed several persons standing by the
river-side, apparently in great trouble. I went to see
the reason, and was given to understand it was a lad
of fifteen years had been bathing, and got beyond his
depth, and could not swam. A man came up, and
taking ofT his clothes jumped in, just in time to lay
hold of the lad as he came to the surface. The boy
felt him, and instantly caught him with a death-like
grasp, rendering him powerless ; both struggled for a
moment and then sank together. I stood with the
rest gazing, expecting to see them rise to the surface ;
but it became evident to me that they were both
drowning. I had on a morning wrapper, which was
something like a bathing dress, at the time, and run-
ning to my tent, I procured a rope, and making a
noose, I plunged into the water, as none dared to
venture in, taking the noose-end with me, leaving the
other end on the shore in the hands of the bystanders,
telling them if I was successful in throwing it over
their bodies to instantly haul them ashore. When

fi?

^iii.

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

they came to the surface both were too feeble to
struggle, and I succeeded the first time in throwing
the noose around them ; when, with a shout from the
lookers-on, who by this time were considerably in-
creased, they were landed. I quickly getting on
terra firma, restoratives were at once resorted to,
though it took some time, and both were restored,
and taken to their tents. In the midst of it all, I,
with many others, could not but feel amused as well
as shocked, the mother of the lad continually ex-
claiming, " I would not have cared if it had been his
brother ; but Johnny is such a good boy ! " Poor
woman ! no doubt she thought it would have been a
good thing to get rid of Johnny's naughty brother.

oo feeble to
2 in throwing
iiout from the
isidcrably in-
Y getting on
resorted to,
NCYC restored,
St of it all, I,
mused as well
Dntinually ex-
had been his
boy!" Poor
d have been a
;ity brother.

CHAPTER IX.

Return to Ararat. — Remarkable Birth of Twins. — Another
Bush Firk.— John Chinaman. — Undesirable Neighboirs. —
A Rukeian. — Cathcart. — Fever. — Strange Companions.

HORTLY after the incident last related we
removed back to Ararat. When we started a
hot wind was blowing ; it was dusty, and the
heat was almost unbearable. Grasshoppers, mosquitos,
and flies were continual!}^ darting into the nose, eyes,
or mouth, causing a feeling of discontent ; the poor
horses not escaping their dreadful stings, though
nearly covered with green foliage as a preventive.

Another new run of gold was struck. It was called
the Deep Sinking. I was not a little delighted to find
that my old friends the McDonalds were still there,
and we at once encamped close by them. We were
not long in this spot before another rush was dis-
covered : it was called the Canton Rush, from having
been discovered by a Chinaman. There were very
soon between forty and fifty thousand persons on the
ground. It was rather fortunate for me that we were
encamped just between the two bends. The first
person I attended professionally was a woman, whose
age was fifty years, and who, strange to say, gave
birth to two fine boys, and both mother and sons

.■> ±1

:.| "

Monoirs of a Lady Nurse.

progressed well. A most remarkable fact connected
v/ith this occurrence was that the mother had only had
one child before, a girl, who at the time of this occur-
rence was fourteen years of age. There were no doctors
on the field except Dr. Girdlcstone, and he proved a
great benefactor. Quacks were plentiful, and they all
drunkards. As the rush increa.sed, so did my practice,
until I had not an hour to call my own. Going home
one afternoon, weary and worn, I thought I heard
the sound of a bush fire. I went to see, hoping it
might not be, remembering my former experience
of bush fire, and that my friend and neighbour was
very ill. I found my surmises were too true ; the
mountains in the distance were all on fire. I quickly
returned to make secure our tents, which several
diggCi's came to assist to clear. The grass was fired
at a good distance round the tent, and beat out again.
Blankets were well saturated with water, and then
thrown on the tents and temporary fence, which were
thus saved from the sparks and small wood which fell
from the trees all round. The fire, however, passed
us in its way, and, fortunately for us, we did not feel
much of its fury.

There was a Chinese encampment near to ours. The
Chinese are very peculiar people, and I have no doubt
that a short description of them will interest the reader.
They are called by the diggers by the sobriquet of
"John;" and if you chanced to meet them early in
the day, and tendered the salutation of " Good morn-
ing, John," they would always give the same words in
answer, no matter whether the person they spoke to
was male or female. Their age could never be told

wiMiiMHw mm IWW1

mimSmimittlmmmttimm

cor' cctcd
1 only had
;his occur-
no doctors
; 13 roved a
id they all
y practice,
:)ing home
t I heard
hoping it
experience
hbour was
true ; the
I quickly
;h several
was fired
out again,
and then
^hich were
which fell
er, passed
d not feel

ours. The
no doubt
he reader,
briquet of
ti early in
lod morn-
words in
spoke to
r be told

j^o/in CJiinaman.

/ 3

for old men and boys appeared nearly the same.
They never allowed their wives to accompany them
in their rambles. On the gold-field they liad a pecu-
liar way of travelling. One very hot day in January
(this is the hottest month in the year) I saw about
400 of them coming along. Every one had a bamboo
or cane, on one end of which was a puddling-tub as
large as a small wash-tub, filled with all the tent
utensils, while on' the other end hung spades, picks,
shovels, with the ever-useful article — the digger's
cradle — with which John would make a good living
where many an Englishman would starve, or leave the
unwashed dirt in disgust. They seldom walked two
abreast, but all paddle on one after the other, like
ducks going to the water. The noise of their boots
might be heard a great distance, for John does not
believe in having boots to fit, but in having plenty of
leather for his money. They are not allowed to en-
camp with people of any other nation. They are
divided into two classes, one educated and the other
not educated in their mother tongue : the former
class soon pick up the English language. They are

m very expert in eating rice with chop-sticks, which are
like very thin skewers. At certain times of the year
they live on fowls, pigs, eggs, and so forth, their diet
having something to do with their religion. The
digj;-rs are often much amused by the way in which
"Jean" goes marketing. After he has feasted his
Qy^^^ complacently for some time upon a little pig,
he proceeds to make a bargain with the owner. As
.soon as this is effected, " John " says to the seller in

/i an eager manner, "Me go catch him," to which the

i(r<^— A

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

! I

seller always replies in the affirmative. " John " then
proceeds very cautiously to where the pig is, and then
makes a sudden grab at the tail of the animal. Some-
times he is fortunate in securing his prize, which he
conveys home in triumph, carrying it in his arms*
although squalling very vociferously. Very often,
howe. : . the pig eludes his grasp; then "John" falls
sprawling all his length, the pig scampers away, and
" John " would bawl out, " Stop, you pig ! stop ! me
want you ! " " John " would then run after the pig in
all directions, sometimes having to stop to put his
boots right, which, would occasionally slip off. As
soon as this was effected, "John would have to seek
his prize ; and if he chanced to meet a countryman, he
would say to him, " Why you let my pig go } Why
you not catch him.?" Very often the one so addressed
did not know "John" had purchased a pig. In these
chases " John " often had to run about' an hour at a
time, and had a series of mishaps, such as falling
down, his boots coming off, tumbling over people who
inadvertently came in his way, and his hat falling off
and rolling away ; all these had to be rectified before
the pig was again sought after, which, when caught,
" John " would hold tight in his arms, and mutter at
a yc.ry fast rate, always keeping a firm hold of its tail,
which the Chinese seem to conceive to be the handle
of the animal. When any of them die they are in-
variably buried with many of their tools. "John's'
drinking/ tankard, pipe, and tobacco are buried beside
him,

A short time after we had been at this place, a
strange tent was discovered pitched a short distance

Ruffianly Neighbours.

"John" then
I is, and then
nimal. Somc-
ize, which he
in his arms,

Very often,
"John" falls
srs away, and
•ig ! stop ! me
ifter the pig in
op to put his
slip off. As
have to seek
ountryman, he
iig go ? Why
e so addressed
pig. In these
fan hour at a
Lich as falling
^er people who
; hat falling off
rectified before
, when caught,
and mutter at
hold of its tail,

be the handle

ie they are in-

ols. "John's''

K' buried beside

.t this place, a
short distance

from ours. Suddenly one night a stranger thrust his
head inside the door of our tent. Our dogs had given
no alarm, and th's gave rise to suspicion that they
had been drugged, which we afterwards found to be
the case. My husband sprang up and took a gun in
his hand, for the purpose of ridding the tent of the
intruder. At my request, he did not shoot, and the
next moment the ruffian grappled with and tried to
throw him. In managing to pass the fellow, he dealt
me a severe kick just over the eye, which partially
stunned me, and caused the blood to stream down my
face. I managed to possess myself of the dog's chain,
and dragged him out of the kennel. The dog was
quite stupra^ and showed evefy sign of having been
drugged, rhe air operating upon him, he soon began
to comprehend the state of affairs, and immediately
flew at the intruder, tearing his thigh in a fearful
manner. He would, no doubt, soon have made short
work of him had we not called him away, and the
fellow, having had sufficient, retired as quickly as
he could. In the morning the strange tent was gone.
Such, then, was our life on the gold-field. We were
never safe, but had always to be on the alert.

We remained at this place several months, during
which time all the workings were nearly completed.
Tiie diggers had to seek for another lead of gold,
which they found 3^ miles from us. It was called
" Cathcart." The Canton Rush had been the means
of greatly adding to the township, and many fine
shops and good buildings, were erected. The little
town has now risen to be one of great importance in
the colony.

I '«■■

, '

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

Our party had a claim in which \vatcr had been
struck, and which appeared as if it would defy all
slabing or any other plan. Mr. Stannard, in en-
deavouring to check it, got so thoroughly wet that
he became affected with typhus fever, and was ill for
seven weeks, during which time I was greatly tried,
not being able to get an assistant. In those days, if
you had a servant, she could not be kept long, for
servants were like the rushes, ever going and coming.
I often thought, what would some of our ladies at
home have thought had they seen me fetching water
a distance of ; mile with slings, for I had not strength
to carry with my hands ? What water I obtained was
from an old muddy pool which the diggers had
abandoned and with which I filled a large tub for the
purpose of filtering it, which process was accomplished
thus : I dissolved a little alum in some boiling water,
and then poured it into the mud, which was somewhat
in consistency like cream. It was then .stirred up
well, and in an hour it was fit for use.

This rush (Cathcart) having proved a failure, all
were once more on the move. Just then word came
tlwt gold had been found near the township, close to
Commissioner Hill. This was called the Black Lead.
The people were soon all gone, and I was left alone
with my poor invalid, who was as ill as could possibly
be. My only fear was that he should die in the night,
no creature near to call in ; but the Lord was good to
me even there. Mr. Stannar' had jusi begun to
recover a little when 1 was taken ill. He was not
sufficiently strong to attend to me. I felt that all
these things were against me. Many a day, after

LaiigJiing Jackasses.

tcr had been
Duld defy all
mard, in en-
dily wet that
nd was ill for
grcatly tried,
those days, if
kept long, for
I and coming,
our ladies at
etching water
d not strength
obtained was
diggers had
ge tub for the
accomplished
boiling water,
was somewhat
en stirred up

a failure, all
n word came
iship, close to
le Black Lead,
vas left alone
could possibly
ie in the night,
d was good to
usi begun to

He was not
I felt that all

a day, after

crawling about the tent to do what T could, my illness
increased I made an effort to get into the air, and
not being able to walk, I went on my hands and knees
to the back of the tent, and lay down on the ground,
under the shadow of a fine old tree. Being distressed
in mind and body, I lifted up my voice in supplication
to the Lord, to take me from this world of trouble
and affliction. Though my path had for some time
been rough, the Lord did not forsake me. He has
many ways of rsiaking His love and mercy known to
us, and He maketh the heart to rejoice.

We had .some strange companions in our solitude,
and who never left u.s, but remained till we left them.
A description will enable my readers to enter more
fully into the pleasure which those companions gave
to us : they were singular little creatures — the laugh-
ing jackasses. Early in the morning and late in the
evening, eight or nine of these wonderful little birds
would perch themselves upon an old withered tree
standing not far from our tent, and commence their
merry-makin?:; hy one of them apparently tittering or
trying to suppress a laugh, which in the end it reached,
as one after the other caught up the same note, and
a complete roar of laughter ensued. They made the
whole forest echo with their merry peal. It was droll
in the extreme ; however dejected the S]>irit3 might be,
one could not help feeling that laughter was con-
tagious and joined in concert. These strange yet
cheerful companions are of a grayish colour, with
strong feet, thick body, stout neck, large mouth,
strong bill, and a quick and penetrating eye. They
are highly prized, and a heavy fine is inflicted upon

s^-

'»i.

'ei\

Manoirs of a Lady Nurse.

those who arc known to destroy them. They are
very adroit and cunning in killing reptiles of various
descriptions. I have seen them watch a long time
in the neighbourhood of a snake. The moment
a snake makes its appearance, down darts the bird,
picking it up just at the back of the head, and in-
stantly rising into the air ; when at a great height it
drops its prey, and instantly descends ; if the snake
moves, it is again carried up into the air, to be
dropped again. This performance is repeated till
the snake is powerless to resist. The bird then bites
off the snake's head quickly, and leaves it, never
attempting to eat any particle of it. I kept one of
these birds a long time as a pet. It seemed very
contented, and never took any of its meals without
first pretending to kill each portion with its bill by
beating it, first on one side and then on the other ;
then laying it down, it would watch it very carefully.
If it did not move, it would soon be swallowed. The
bird was an excellent timekeeper, and was very useful
in telling certain hours, namely, four in the morning
and eight in the evening, by commencing to laugh
outright in a very loud manner.

^^^^^^§0^

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CHAPTER X.

The Black Lead.— Snow.— My Cook. — " Rusir, O !"— Welcome
Letter. — Farmlng. — AMrurriiEATRE Diggincs.— Avoca.

AVING now recovered in health, we at
once made up our minds to remove to
the Black Lead, a short distance from
which we pitched our tent. Here my ]5ractice in-
creased, and I was kept fully occupied. We
encamped in a pleasant situation, in the centre of
Commissioner Hill, with ground well adapted for a
garden, which I resolved to make. I procured some
large sheets of bark, and getting some iron hoops,
which \\cre in abundance on the field, nailed them on
the top and bottom of the bark, and formed an
excellent fience about four feet high. I planted all
kinds of salad, which grew very fast. At Christmas I
had plenty of green peas and wat';r melons. As I
have before said, December is a very hot month ; but
while at this place we were treated to a novelty.
One morning early, Mr. Stannard came and informed
me he had something to show me. 1 Instantly arose
out of bed, expecting to see some kind of bird, beast,
or reptile ; but, to niy surprise, it was a slight fall ol
snow, which^ though thinly scattered on the ground,
looked very pretty. I watched it till the sun rose,

■ - 4.q

^r^

I 1

!li

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

when it quickly disappeared. During my sojourn in
this country, a period of eight years, this was the
only time that I ever saw any snow there.

Our claims turned out to be very wet, which caused
a great deal of capital to be spent in erecting the
necessary machinery. We worked it upwards of two
years, losing heavily in consequence.

Here I was fortunate in procuring the services of a
cook. He was a Chinaman who had received a first-
rate education. He remained with us a long time.
He informed me that his father had to pay a large
sum to the Chinese Government, as persons were not
allowed to educate their children without paying a
stipulated sum.

Early one morning, in the same season, we were
awakened by the cry of " Rush, O ! " My husband
arose, and on going to inquire if the report were true,
found it was. Many diggers were already marking out
claims not far from our tent. It was then about three
a.m., and at ten there were hundreds on the ground
marking out their claims. A digger possessing a
miner's right is empowered to dig in any ground that
he thinks fit, having marked the claim outside the
ground previously. Unfortunately for me, the lead
c^fliti right through the garden in which I took
HO mucli ptklf, iiml vvhiLb was divided into four
claims, eacli worked by three or four men. One
claim yielded the sum of ^6,000 to three men who
worliL'd it. I was compelled to live in this wretched
talace with four or five thousand men near. It was
like a Babel ; some shouting to their mates in the
claims below, and with the noise of the windlass, I was

Another Rus/i.

caused

ing the

of two

not at all sorry when another rush was proclaimed ;
and I had not lonj^ to wait.

Before leaving that place I received a cheering
and instructive letter from a friend and brother —
James Reed, Esq. My friend Mrs. McDonald desired
that I would lend it her. I did so, and never after
reclaimed it. When writing to mc, she would often
"'^eak of the comfct. under God's blessing, she
erived from reading it. Such being the case, I have
not the pleasure of presenting it for the perusal of my
readers. How little do we know whether this or that
shall prosper in the hand c" God! It is a blessed
thing to sow the seed, leaving the issue with the
Lord, who hath declared the word shall not return
unto Him void.

The time having arrived that we should take our
final farewell of the McDonalds, we committed each
other to the Lord, and doubted not but that His
presence would go with us to the end of our journey.
They had started farming, which is far better than
digging, especially for those who have large families.
It would be greatly to the advantage of many poor
families who are struggling with poverty to emi-
grate, particularly for those who understand farming,
The Government provide and offer every facility for
the purchase of land. You may pitch your tent in the
bush where it has not been surveyed, plant, and fence
it. No one will interfere until the surveyor comes,
and even then you have the first chance to buy, and
pay by instalments, I never knew but one sober
hard-working man who was not well rewarded for his
industry, and even that instance was caused by his

.- 1

III

:
M

:!'

■ i

; 1

;

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

having a wife of intemperate habits. Your greatest
hopes may be blighted by a flood or busli fire, but
sometimes great damage may be prevented.

A goodly company were now ready to start for
Amphitheatre diggings.as it was called. We journeyed
three days, and a never-to-be-forgotten time it was.
A burning sun overhead with a hot wind blowing,
the air darkened with .sand, which dashed into our
faces. The road was strewn with dead bullocks,
fowls, horses, drays, and goods, in all directions,
caused by the excessive heat, combined with scarcity
of water. With great wisdom our party drove off the
road into the bush, where we encamped for the day,
and resuming our journey in the night, when, instead
of having a scorching sun, we had refreshing dews,
which fell like gentle, rain.

" Gently as the clews distil,

Breathing balmy fragrance round ;
Dropping gladness where they fall
Brightening and refreshing all ;
Every sense with ple:"nio filling.
Spreading joy on eviry sul..'."

We reached the diggings, raid had our small tent
pitched only a week, when the ruili was declared
to be a failure. This to me was very unpleasant
news, for it was a pretty place, surrounded with
peculiar beauty and grandeur, Mr. Stannard, having
engaged five men, went into the Pyrenees, to prospect
for quartz reefs. The men being engaged under
certain stipulations, off they started, leaving with me
only the cook, whom I taught to read and write in
English, in which, to his intense delight, he became

Bird Catchi)i(r.

8-1

reatcst
re, but

art for

rncycd

it was.

lowing,

ito our

uUocks,

actions,

scarcity

off the

he day,

instead

g dews,

nail tent
declared
ipleasant
ed with
d, having
prospect
}d under
with me
write in
} became

proficient in a very short time. A week having
passed, the cook and myself started to join the party.
The beauties of this part of the bush were so
grand that a short description will not be out of
place. It was a few miles from the township of
Avoca. Beautiful hills surrounded the valleys spread
before our feet in picturesque beauty and variety.
There were lovely llowers, various in colour, but which
gave no perfume.

It was truly delightful to climb the hills with their
gentle slopes, and the rugged sides of the mountains,
which were here and there dotted over with the oak,
or, as it is called, the "he and she" oak, whose boughs
are used for feeding cattle ; their dark green leaves
forming an excellent contrast with the ten thousand
bright yellow blossoms of the myrtle-tree, the stately
gum-tree, and a thousand other evergreens, which,
most singularly, shed their bark instead of their leaves.

During the time our party was prospecting, not
having any patients to visit, I amused myself by
gathering wild flowers, and catching birds by means
of an old tea-chest, using it in the same way that
boys in England entrap birds by means of a riddle or
brick-trap. All that I thus snared, whether birds or
reptiles, in a few days were perfectly tame.

While here I had a flying opossum presented to
me : I gave it to a friend in England on my return.
I secured two opossums quite different from any I
had ever had before, and gave to each a name, which
they soon understood. They were most amusing little
things, and were as active as monkeys.

We were all sitting round the fire one Sunday after-

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23 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) 872-4503

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Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

noon, wlicn we were suddenly startled by a silver-
coloured snake, which sprang out of the middle of the
fire, which was kindled outside the tent. We imagined
that it had buried itself under the turf, and the fire
being kindled, caused it to emerge from its hiding-
place. It was, however, soon despatched, and pre-
served in whisky.

We remained at this place for several weeks, and
incurred great loss, which once more compelled us to
be on the march, though not knowing where to.

The morning on which we started everything except
ourselves wore an aspect of cheerfulness. W^e reached
the township of Avoca, which consisted of commission
house, bank, and police camp, with one or two stores,
and a few log-huts, with here and there a tent. As we
entered the township the rain poured down in torrents,
as it invariably does in summer-time. The drays being
heavily laden with tents and mining implements,
afforded no shelter. The horses would not face the
pelting rain with such heavy loads. 1 he dogs crept
under the drays, while we meditated as to the best
course to pursue. One of the inhabitants, with a spark
of pity in his heart, came and offered mc the shelter
of his tent until the rain had somewhat abated,
which however, it did not until it was too late to
proceed on our journey. The poor man's hut was but
large enough for two to sit, one on each end of his
seat, on which were awlj^, nails, tacks, wax, and a
miscellaneous assortment of other things required by
him in his trade. To stay there all night ^\as impos-
lible. I discovered, from conversation with the old
man, that at night he threw a grass-bed on his seat

Sheltered in a travis.

a silver-
idle of the
: imagined
id the fire
its hiding-
, and prc-

wecks, and
>cllcd us to
'e to.

ling except
,Ve reached
:ommission
two stores,
ent. As we
in torrents,
drays being
mplcnients,
lot face the
dogs crept
to the best
,-ith a spark
the shelter
Kit abated,
too late to
Hit was but
end of his
aax, and a
required by
was impos-
•ith the old
on his seat

which formed his bedstead as well as a resting-place
during the day. He gave me every attention to make
me comfortable during the short time I remained in
his hut. As I was very tired, and wanted to lie down,
my husband thought he could make up a sort of a
resting-place under the dray, as the rain had now
somewhat abated. While we were planning how to
do it, a blacksmith came up and told us that we might
rest for the night in his travis, or the place where
horses were shod. I need scarcely say that we were
both glad, and that we accepted his kind offer. I
was glad to find the place a large one, sufficiently
accommodating Mr. Stannard, my :vvo little pet dogs,
my horse, and myself ; the large dogs being left to
watch the drays, with some men who came from the
town. The beds, being stowed away at the bottom of
the drays, could not easily be got at ; so, laying our
blankets (for all travellers keep them close at hand)
upon the floor of stone, offered up our evening thanks-
giving, and, committing ourselves into God's keeping,
we laid down to rest. That place of rest will ever be
remembered as one of the spots of consecrated
ground, where God condescended to

" He our Father .iml our Friend,

and causing my heart to overflow with joy and glad-
ness. I believe we all, by sleeping soundly, enjoyed
our bed of stone. When I awoke, to my surprise, my
horse lay close to my back, fast asleep.

CHAPTER XL

Peter's Diggings. — A Large Family. — Providential Escape. —
A Capture — Collection for a Natural History Museum.
— A Troublesome Beast. — Retirement. — A Repulsive
Individual repulsed. — "Black Fellows;" their Ideas,
Manners, and Customs.

ORNING came, and with it the tidings of a
"rush" at two different places — Maryborough
and Peter's Diggings. We chose the latter,
and to reach it had to pass through some trials. At
night when we encamped, what with opossums and
goats, I had quite a family to attend to. I had
several birds, one of which was a magpie, a very
sagacious bird, who always took good care to place
herself on the hob of the wheel, inside the tilt, which
formed a curtain to our sleeping apartment. She
would then call " Smoker " (a dog to whom she was
greatly attached) to come and lie near her.

Thiij field, with many more, promised to be a very
large one ; but robbery and murder did not appear to
be much on the decrease. The people were greatly
scattered in the bush, as different runs had been
found, though not with much gold. Here I had many
patients, and, whatever dislike I had to travelling in
and about the bush, if I followed my practice, I must
take the rough with the smooth.

Going one day to visit a patient who was with
several more encamped a good distance in the bush, I

Providential Escape.

saw a man walking slowly along the side of the narrow
road. I did not ride so fast as I might have done, as
I wished to keep my eye upon him. He was very
curious to go far enough to see where I was going,
and turned again into the bush, with the intent of
watching me. In returning home I kept looking
round, expecting to see him, and when reaching a
deep pass, I not only saw him, but a second one, who
stood on the road opposite to each other. It was a
lonely spot, and the bush very thick, so that there
was no alternative but to go straight ahead, as
more ruffians might be behind, in which case the last
might prove worse than the first. Gathering up my
habit, and speaking to my horse, I gave him a switch,
which caused him to dart with the speed of an
Arabian. When passing the ruffians, they sprang
forward with a ferocity akin to that of a famishing
wolf; but too late, for their prey had eluded their grasp,
and was fast disappearing from their gaze. I was truly
thankful, and could not help feeling that my deliver-
ance came from the Lord. I had no doubt that I was
well known to them, and that they imagined I had
received my fee ; but having my suspicic^j aroused by
the first fellow I saw, I declined to take any fees on
that day.

The next day the same two men were brought on
the field to the police camp in irons, having the pre-
vious evening stopped a poor digger, maltreated,
robbed, and left him for dead.

Time wore on, and the people were gradually
leaving for different diggings. We, however, came to
the conclusion not to remove far, but with some three

Mcinoirs of a Lady Nurse.

or four men try some old workings which had been
abandoned at Middle Creek. Part of our men had
left us with a view of bettering themselves.

For a few weeks it promised us a rich harvest, but
this not continuing, I did all in my power to persuade
Mr. Stannard to leave ihe diggings, and try and start
his business in some little township. The men had all
left, even our cook, which was a great trial as well as
a loss, especially to me, as I should not be able to get
any one there. Many a prayer had I offered to the
Lord that we might leave the gold-fields. The Lord
answered my prayer ; but, as John Newton said, " it
was in such a way that almost drove me to despair."

Six miles from our encampment lay the little town
of St. Arnaud ; it abounded in alluvial diggings, bid-
ding fair to be in time a prosperous little town. Mr.
Stannard resolved upon endeavouring to make a start
in that place, and succeeded in taking some Govern-
ment buildings to complete ; the men who had
begun the buildings having given way to drinking
three days out of six. He returned home full of
gladness, as he knew I should rejoice with him ; but
there was one drawback to my gladness, though I
desired to be content. He had engaged ; j finish the
work in a certain time, and in consequence could not
spare any time for removing our tent. Therefore
there was no alternative but for me to remain until
it was. finished, though no diggers or tents were near.
I was thus left alone in the bush, and only saw my
husband once a week. While Mr Stannard was at
this work I was rather dissatisfied, but still I could
not remove without help ; so I was compelled to be

My Museum.

liad been
men had

rvest, but
persuade
and start
m had all
s well as
ble to get
^d to the
lie Lord

said, "it
lespair."
ttlc town
ings, bid-
vvn. Mr.
<e a start

Govern-
vvho had

drinking
e full of
him ; but
though I
finish the
ould not
rh ere fore
lain until
ere near.
r saw my
\ was at
11 I could
lied to be

content for the time, and comfort myself with the
prospect that we should soon settle down, and, as
I hoped, for years.

While at this place I could not visit the sick or
attend to my profession. One lady, who had engaged
me some time before, expressed such a strong desire
for me to attend her that I did so at great risk,
leaving the tents and everything to goers and comers,
who fortunately at that time were not numerous.

Much of my time was spent in collecting specimens
for my museum, which already consisted of the most
lovely birds, their plumage being of gorgeous colours
that it is almost impossible to describe accurately ;
large and small snakes, scorpions, centipedes, and many
other creatures the names of which I did know. I
made all secure by preserving them in whisky (birds,
of course, excepted) ; and which I considered a far
better use to make of it than drinkmg it. I had still
to attend to my little family, which consisted of my
two opossums, two magpies, six goats, three dogs, one
wild cat, and one horse.

While here a curious incident occurred, which made
me very much afraid that I should lose my faithful
horse. Several days he came home, and seemed very
ill, and often in the day, instead of quietly feeding
in the bush, would come home trembling and quite
wet with sweat ; evidently something in the bush
had frightened him. When my husband came home,
I told him the circumstance. We went in search of
the enemy, which we discovered at a short distance
from the tent, under a large gum-tree. Mr. Stannard
immediately fired, when the creature instantly made

ill

•I

1 '

■I

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

towards us. A second shot was fired, which it received
in the head, and which brought it to the earth ; and
while dying it made a noise somewhat similar to the
barking of a dog. When it was dead we took dimen-
sions of it : it was three feet eight inches in length,
and had a large, stout, scaly body and very long tail.
What kind of creature it was, or to what species it
belonged, we could not make out ; but we did not
again meet with another of the sort. It took me two
days to prepare it for my museum. After this my
horse went on well enough.

While at this beautiful place, where the scenery was
romantic and charming, my enjoyment was great,
though I wished much to be with my husband. As it
was, I was shut out from the noise and bustle of the
world ; birds were my companions, their musical notes
varying, the screeching of the cockatoos and the
jingling of the bullock-bells in the distance forming
an amusing and agreeable contrast. In the midst of
all this I was very happy. Many times since I have
returned to the bustling world have I wished I could
recall those hours of sweet intercourse with my God,
when from my heart I could say with Madame Guion,
who, when banished for the truth, penned these sweet
lines : —

" All scenes alike engaging prove
To souls impressed with sacred love :
Where'er they dwell, they dwell i.i Thee —
In heaven, on earth, or in the sea.

To me remain nor place nor time ;
My country is in every clime ;
I can be calm, and free from care.
On any shore, since God is there.

received
rth ; and
ar to the
k dimen-
n length,
long tail,
species it

did not
k me two
r this my

;nery was
as great,
id. As it
tie of the
ical notes

and the
I forming
I midst of
ice I have
id I could

my God,
le Guion,
lese sweet

A repulsive fellow 91

While place we seek, or place we shun.
The soul finds happiness in none,
Uul with a (jod to guide our way,
'Tis equal joy to go or stay. ' •

Could I be cast where Thou art not.
That were indeed a dreadful lot !
But regions none remote I call,
. Secure of finding God in all.

My country, ' Lord,' art Thou alone,
Nor other do I wish to own.
The point where all my wishes meet,
My Law, my Love, life's only sweet."

Indeed, language fails to set forth the beauties we .see
in that Saviour, when by the Spirit we are led to rely
on His love, His blood, and complete righteousness.

Three weeks passed away in happiness and pleasure,
but the next two were not to be fr^^e from care and
trouble ; if they had been, I should not so clearly have
seen the Hand protecting me.

My attention was* one morning attracted by the
barking of the dogs, and the call of the magpie, who
kept shouting, " Look ! look ! " On going to see the
cause, I found a strange man was riding up the flat
in front of the tent. By his dress he might have been
taken for a gentleman, but I suspected him to be a
bushranger. I felt at first startled, but picking up my
pistol, went to see what the new-comer required, feel-
ing determined not to die in the tent. When he came
up, he saluted me with " Good morning, madam ! " I
saw at once that he was no bushranger, but one of
those characters who, if possible, are far worse for the
safety of females. After asking questions of a revolt-

■77T

II-

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

ing character, he offered me something to drink, which
ho liad in a bottle ; I refused. He then attempted to
dismount, when I drew my pistol, telling him if he
made another move to get off his horse I should
fire ; forgetting for the moment that he, too, might
be armed. But, however, after a deal of abuse he

LrnRA IN FULL CORTIME.

galloped off. Once again did I recognize the Hand
which was held out for my safety and deliverance.

A few days after a larger number than usual of
the natives paid me a visit. They were, as it appeared,
on some important march ; all the " Lubras," or
squaws, being armed with spears, darts, shields,

:.,. ki

Black Fdloivs.

:, which
ptcd to
n if he
should
, might
Duse he

c Hand
ince.
usual of
)peared,
ras," or
shields,

boomerangs, and other warlike weapons. When they
reached my tent, they all sat down round the fire,
which was burning just in front of the tent-door, all
wanting tea and sugar, which, through being alone, I
dare not deny them ; and, fortunately, having a good
stock with me, I was able to supply their wants.
They were, hovvever, not content for a portion to be
given to them to divide amongst themselves, but each
one wished for his or her share separately. I am
confident that it would not have failed to amuse my
readers, had they been able to see me perform the
sharing of it out, and how well they each examined it,
to see if each share was equal, i found from their
conversation they were going to war with the Morry
tribe, if what they said could be relied upon, and who,
they .said, were one " very bad fellows, steal our fish."
I asked them how many black fellows they fight,
when about thirty or forty of them jumped up, all of
whom began opening and shutting their hands with
marvellous rapidity. This was their mode of counting,
and I must have been a first-class arithmetician to
have counted them correctly, as it signified ten every
time each one closed his hands, and which, according
to their counting, must have been many hundreds.
When they ceased counting, they gave the war-whoop,
which was a most unearthly fiendish yell. The native
when going to war never fails to well load his wife
with war implements. If she is not able to carry all,
he will, after a great deal of persuasion and chattering,
condescend to select three or four spears, opossum
rug, and boomerang. They are exceeding clever in
the use of the latter weapon, never failing to hit the

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

object aimed at, when the boomerang will return in a
dififercnt direction, falling at his feet. They are not
a bloodthirsty race, for very few are killed in
their battles, preferring to take prisoners rather than

READY FOR WAR.

to kill them. They arc V'.i ) courageous when fighting
and will endure a great i.ir.ount of suffering when
brought into close quarters with the enemy ; but, on
the whole, prefer to live in peace, and will not run

Back felloivs — Customs.

h in a
e not
Dd in
than

Thting,

when

lut, on

ot run

into war willingly, often acting very stu[)icily, till
compelled to defend themselves. I iiKjuired of
several what th*^'- age was, and was again puzzled
by their manner of jounting with their hands. They
do not reckon by years, but moons, and thus give the
number of jcrs they have lived by the number of
moons, every finger signifying a moon. I have many
times thought tliat if the same method were adopted
in England for taking the census, the correct number
and age of the people woulH never be known, for it
would be a most complicated and perplexing puzzle.
Before the natives went away I reasoned and expos-
tulated with them, that they should not fig) it, when
they exclaimed, " Black fellow die, and jump up one
big white fellow ! " it being a common belief with
them that every white man has been a black one
before he became white, a tradition handed do^vn to
them. .Upon inquiry, I found out that, once upon a
time, a sailor, who had been wrecked and cast ashore,
wandered in the bush, and being tired sat down on a
mound of earth to rest himself, not knowing that
underneath the sod lay the body of a native. After
he had sat there, a party of the natives came up.
They were amazed on seeing him, but afterwards took
him home, where he received a hearty welcome from
the rest of the tribe, they fully believing that he was
their black brother whom they had buried, and who
they declared had jumped up a " big white fellow."
The natives have a vagwe and indefinite idea of
heaven. They believe in a Great Spirit, whom they
shall see and be with in the happy hunting grounds,
and who, when they arrive there, will give them dif-

!' M'i

!■

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

fcrcnt kinds of coloured cloth, good things to eat, and
'baccy to smoke ; and, accordingly, when a native
dies the\' bury with him his favourite 'baccy pipe, that
lie may smoke when he reaches the happy hunting
grounds.

At the commencement of the co^^-^'^'ggi'ig'^) the

ill

m.%

A FdKTlNATE COOLIE DUESSED IN I)U;OEU S TUOVSEUS.

native wore nothing except a girdle m 'de of opos-
sum or kangaroo skin. Sometimes, in going to
the diggings, the gold-hunter found he had perhaps
too many clothes to carry comfortably; he would then
bestow a little article of clothing upon the native,
which generally was a pair of trousers. The poor

A Corroborry.

black man would immediately put them on ; but they
oftentimes being far too long, caused much trouble to
the wearer, and much merriment to the giver. When
he endeavoured to walk, he often fell down, though, if
he managed to retain his equilibrium, he proceeded
with a kind of double-shuffle. If, after repeated
attempts, he could not proceed, he would sit down
and declare he would go no farther. They are now
compelled to wear a blanket, which the Government
provides for them, and which are given them on a
certain day every year, and which they seem to
thoroughly appreciate. When naked their bodies
were very thickly greased all over, to prevent the flics
and mosquitos from tormenting them, but which
emitted a most offensive odour.

Once a month the rising of the full moon is a night
of special rejoicing. The natives hold a corrobory,
making many fires, daubing their faces and bodies
with clay and some substance like red ochre, so that
you would not know one of them, and making
themselves look most horrible. I went to see one
of these gatherings, and a short description will no
doubt interest the reader. Just before the moon
was at its zenith, they congregate together and light
fires, according to the number of guests supposed to
arrive. Sometimes as many as twelve or fourteen
fires have been lit on a patch of ground about eight
yards square. As soon as the fires blazed the dancing
began. Many of the natives get intoxicating spirits
from the white settlers, and if they obtain money they
expend it for "fire-water," as they termed it. After
they have taken a few sups they become infuriated, and

ilil

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

while dancing iiround the fires throw the empty bottles
at one another, often cutting themselves very severely.
As the dance progresses their gestures and cries
become stronger, each one vieing with the other in
the production of the most horrible yellings and
screechings, till all become thoroughly infuriated. The

DllLSSKl) I'Oll A COUltOltOUY.

dances are carried on all night, and when the day
suddenly comes upon their vision, all wander away in
the bush and sleep off their night's carousal.

Previous to the diggings they had been very trou-
blesome to the squatters. They would drive tueir
sheep high up into the interior, fence them in with

Native Australian.

wood, and in a very cruel manner would break all their
legs, and leave them thus under the scorching sun ;
but soon on their track would follow the squatter,
with stock rider and men, not omitting to take with
them a native guide, who, like a bloodhound, is exceed-
ing clever in discovering the haunts of the natives,
many of whom, when found, paid in the struggle the
penalty of death.

N'ATIVE AUSTUALIAN ON THE MAllCH.

Since the introduction of spirits by the civilize*^
portion of mankind, the natives are constantly getting
intoxicated, and when in that state ' ill fight to the
death. They are, however, from various causes, fast
decreasing.

The Australian natives when on the march seldom
give themselves time for the chase. They invariably
have a number of mongrel dogs with them, which, if

H 2

100

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

they need, they will kill and eat. They have no par-
ticular method of cooking ; but, without skinning
the animal slain, throw it upon the fire and roast it,
and, when sufficiently cooked, devour it in a most
disgusting manner. Their food consists of kangaroos,
opossums, fish, wild cats and rats, snakes, lizards,
birds, and snails. Gum and roots also form a portion
of their food, in the search of which they will often
travel miles.

1 1' ;i

mmm

CHAPTER XII.

An Unwelcome Inquirer.— An Unknown Correspondent. —
The Letter. — Removal to St. Arnaud.— Large Practice. —
Flies and their Destroyer. — Snakes and Whisky. — A
Caution.

ilARLY one morning, I was awakened by
the barking of the dogs. I knew some
one was near, on account of the furious
barking of the old dog, who was chained up.
Scarcely able to leave my bed (for I had been ill
about a fortnight), I went to the door, which was not
locked, locks being articles seldom seen or used in
the bush. As I attempted to open the door, I found
that some one was holding the handle on the other
side. With great fear I wrenched the door open,
and to my astonishment, there stood a man covered
with blood, and looking in every respect like a bush-
ranger. I inquired what he wanted, and almost in
the same breath murmured an ejaculation, upoa
hearing which he stood a moment, and then said
he wished I would show him the way to St. Ar-
naud. I complied, but kept a respectful distance
from him, and in returning to the tent I walked
backwards, keeping my eye upon him. My impres-
sion was, he had attempted to rob some one who
was more than a match for him, for his clothes were

102

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

It.

1 1 -'
1 1 ".■

I i

much torn, and he was riddled with shot. His face,
arms, and thighs were all lacerated and bleeding.
What became of him after I never heard.

The next day I received a letter from a friend in
Suffolk, in England, and whom I had never seen,
and whom I did not know ; if my friend had known
or could have understood what a sweet message of
joy and love the Lord intended it to be, he, with me,
would have praised the Lord. No doubt some of
my readers would like to know the contents of the
letter which gave me so much joy. I therefore give it,
trusting that the reider may derive as much blessing
from it as I did.

" My dear SiSTER IN Christ,—

" Unknown personally to the writer, and yet known, for
I have heard read the production of your pen, the reading of
which made me feel that the writer was a sister, ' one in Christ.'
Ye are all one in Christ. How sweet the word ! Here the saints
meet and feel that they are one. The nearer we live tO Christ,
the greater union shall we feel towards His members. If we live
at a distance from Him, afar off from His cross, we shall live
at a distance from His people. It is an utter impossibility to
love Christ and hate His followers, and it is quite impossible to
love His members, and not to feel interested in Him : * By this
ye know that ye are passed from death to life, because ye love
the brethren. I said the saints were all one. They are all one
in the Father's love :' one is not loved more than another, but
all alike. God's love is like Himself, immutable ; nothing can
increase or diminish it. " I am the Lord, I change not ," I change
not in my love ; having loved my own, I loved them unto the
end. The Church is one in the redemption work of Christ. I
am not more redeemed than my sister across the water, nor my
sister more than me. Blood redeems them all — the Blood alone,
and nothing but the Blood of Christ. The weakest in the faith

msm

St. Aniaud.

103

may say, I am safe through the Blood, and the strongest may
say, I am lost without it. What amazing love does the price of
our redemption speak ! We have redemption through His blood,
the forgiveness of our sins, according to the riches of His grace.
The saints are all one in the Spirit's work upon the heart ; none
called themselves, and none were called but by the Holy Spirit,
and the Spirit does not always work in the same way and manner
but the effect is the same. They all travel one road, but various
are the means used to bring them to that road. They a^, all
brought to Calvary, but brought in different ways. The saints,
then, are one in the love, blood, and power of Father, Son, and
Holy Ghost ; and these Three are One. All that the Father chose
Christ redeemed, and all that were chosen by the Father and re-
deemed by the Son shall be quickened by the Holy Ghost. O
favoured Soul, to be interested in the love-purposes of the
glorious Trinity. This threefold cord shall never be broken.
Hell shall never, no, never, possess one of Christ's covenant
blood-bought lambs. There shall never be a praying, seeking
soul there. Satan shall never have one that sought the Saviour.
* Oh, blessed salvation ! ' Let us, though many miles apart, unite
to praise Him for His goodness. Such is the desire of yours

in Him,

" Robert Edward Sears."

About a week after I had received this letter we
removed to St. Arnaud, where I soon had a large
practice. I hoped to remain here for some time, but
new trials were experienced, although different from
those I had been accustomed to on the diggings,

" Where far in the bush I loved to ride,
With my faithful dog alone by my side,
Away, away, from the dwellings of men,
By the wild bird's haunt and the kangaroo's glen."

I found here a large field of useiulness and labour,
but how little did I know what was looming in the
distance ! Behind that cloud there was a Father's

104

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

watchful eye, and a still small voice was heard that
could cheer the saddest heart in the hour of distress,
Now and then, for many months, there was a kind of
depression which I could not understand. The Bible
was still my chief companion, and many a sweet
promise was my comfort and support day and night :
one — "He shall cover thee with His feathers, and
under His wings thou shalt trust : His truth shall be
thy Shield and Buckler."

There being no doctor nearer than Ballarat, which
was ninety miles away, I had to ride far into the bush to
attend several squatters' families. My duties were now
so numerous that I became almost exhausted. Often
when riding a long journey I have slept while sitting on
the horse. I was truly glad when a gentleman who was
a doctor came to see me, with a view to get advice as
to settling there with his family. I at once persuaded
him to do so, assuring him there was plenty of practice
for him. In the course of a week ':r two, he and his
family came to St. Arnaud, where he soon had a large
practice, and remained there when I left the town.
My duties were much relieved, and I was able to take
more rest than I had hitherto. A pretty little town-
ship was being built, and we settled down very
comfortably. Trade flourished and everything went
on well. We built a house and purchased land on
which to build more, and we felt our standing was
somewhat safe, perhaps for years. The first lady that
I became acquainted with was a Mrs. Millet, a kind
and true Christian lady, and the wife of a magistrate.
They lived in a beautiful valley not far from the
township. Many days of pleasure have I spent in

: j •

Snakes and Whiskey.

105

lat
nd
,te.
:he
in

their domain, and I ever found the good lady of the
house a faithful and affectionate friend, even up to
the present, though now she is Hving in England.

In the summer we found the flies very trouble-
some. Many people go nearly blind through the
sting of a small black fly. They are very disagreeable
at meal-times, often blowing the meat while it is on
the plate, sometimes compelling you to leave an excel-
lent dinner.

There is, howevei, a small silver-coloured lizard,
which destroys many of these insects. I have watched
these creatures many times with much pleasure. When
the door was opened, they would enter as if they were
part of the family : four or five would follow in single
file, and when all in they would remain very quiet,
their little sharp eyes eagerly watching the flies, and
and occasionally leaping upon the corners of the table-
cloth. When satisfied, they would all retire in the same
formal manner that they had entered. They were
never disturbed or molested.

A singular incident happened one day. Several
gentlemen who had been hunting came across a very
large snake, ten or twelve feet long, and exceedingly
handsome, jet black with a deep scarlet stripe down
its belly, and a scarlet ring round its body every seven
or eight inches. Knowing I had a great fancy for such
things, they brought it home dead and presented it to me.
I procured a very large glass jar, into which I put the
snake, filling the jar with whisky, and sealed it very
secure. During the evening many came to see the
creature, having heard of the occurrence, and extolled
it for its beauty, but not for its good qualities, for it was

1 06

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

of that sort of which the bite is deadly ; the part bitten
must be instantly removed. A Newfoundland dog
that lived in the town, while looking after some sheep,
accidentally trod upon one, which instantly turned and
bit him, causing his death in an hour, after great agony.
The morning after I had bottled the snake, my atten-
tion during breakfast was attracted to it as it stood in
the window, having placed it there that passers-by
might see it. I looked again, when I thought that I
saw it move ; thinking I must have been deceived, I
examined it closely, and to my surprise it moved again.
What could be the cause puzzled me exceedingly;
still I felt glad that I had made it secure. I re-
turned to finish my breakfast, when it gave a violent
whirl round the jar, out came the bung, and with it the
greater part of the snake with six young ones about a
foot long, which commenced a general stampede about
the room. I leaped upon a chair, and called for assist-
ance, when they were quickly dispatched. I regretted
much that I had lost the snake, but it evidently seemed
that they were teetotallers, and resisted any attempts
to thrust upon them ardent spirits, and therefore made
a desperate escape from what would have caused their
death. Is not this incident a good moral lesson to
those who take ardent spirits to their own hurt }

CHAPTER XIII.

Last Intkrvikw with my Husband.— Presentiment.— Brutai,
Murder.— I am Robbed by my late Husband's Partner.—
Consolation. — An Adventure.

II BOUT three weeks after the snake adventure
my husband, who was building a store or
hotel at Peter's Diggings, a distance of about
five miles, went to see how the men were getting on.
On the morning he started I felt much depressed in
mind and body, and ' ' en taking leave of him, my
heart and eyes filled to overflowing, which he could
not understand. I begged of him not to be late in
returning; but he inquired why my tears and request .-*
it was not the first time by many that he had been
absent from home both by day and night. I, how-
ever, could not tell him, but still I had misgivings
that all would not be well. He started, and I went
to attend a lady professionally, and during the whole
time my mind was in great terror and anxiety. Glad
indeed I felt when I could return home, where I hoped
to find my husband. On arriving home, I saw Mr.
Kell (his nephew), who informed me that his uncle had
not returned. It was about nine p.m., and the moon
was pouring forth her golden beams, the sand and
dust were very hot. I knew the road well by which
he should return ; so I started to see if I could meet

io8

Meuioirs of a Lady Nurse.

him. After going a short distance, Mr. Jones, a
gentleman who lived in the town, met me, and tried
to persuade me to proceed no farther, for Mr. Stan-
nard was returning. His looks and averted face told
me all was not right. Not heeding him, I ran on for
another half mile, when I met a large cavalcade, which
consisted of nearly three parts of the towns-people-
in the centre of the mournful procession was a cart,
in which Mr. Stannard was placed in a sitting position,
being supported by four men, who covered him up as
well as they could that I should not see him. Several
came and prevailed upon me to return home as
quickly as I could. One offered his horse, but I
declined it, feeling I should go quicker without it. I
went home, and at once sent for Dr. Lock, feeling I
should wish him to assist me if it was a severe accident
he had met with. When the cavalcade reached the
house, I anxiously gazed to see him uncovered, when
such a scene presented itself that will ever be remem-
bered by me. My feelings none could tell, neither
myself, as I cried out, " He has been murdered ! " for
to my gaze he appeared to br; literally mutilated.
His head was cut nearly in two, several severe wounds
were upon his body, and stones were embedded in his
back, evidently showing he had struggled desperately
with his assailants. I never thought otherwise than
that he had been murdered in a most brutal manner ;
his fingers were also broken, which was easily to be
accounted for, in such a fierce encounter for life and
for the property which he had upon him. That day
he had my horse with him. Two gentlemen who
were returning from kangaroo hunting saw by the

More Troubles,

109

■

light of the moon the animal standing, and recog-
nizing it, at once rode up to where the faithful crea-
ture was standing, with his nose resting upon his
master's chest. The horse being so well known, the
miscreants had not attempted to take that, as it
would have been the means of bringing them to jus-
tice. The house was soon filled v, ith people, who were
very sympathizing, and gave what help they could.

If the Lord had not given me support, I must have
sunk under this trial. Those words came to my mind,
and had a power just then : " Sorrow may endure for
a night, but joy cometh in the morning." I prayed to
the Lord for support, and to cause me to own His
hand in all this trial, and to give me grace to feel that
He was my God and Father, who does all things well.

" Trials make the promise sweet,
Trials give new life to prayer,
Trials bring me to His feet,

Lay me low and keep me there. "

Great respect was shown to my deceased husband
by many of the inhabitants, who followed his remains
to their last resting-place.

The place where the deed was done was not three
miles from Middle Creek, our last encampment, where
the bushranger came to me when alone, early in the
morning, severely wounded. No clue, however, as to
how or by whom the deed was done was ever obtained.

I was now left alone in a foreign land, and yet not
alone, ^ jx I had many friends. Trouble did not end
here. I was robbed to a great extent by the partner
of my late husband. He decamped, and nothing
more was ever heard of him.

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

Both before and after my husband's decease I spent
hours in the bush, with my Bible, and there com-
muned with my God till I felt it was none other than
the house of God and the gate of heaven ; for in
prayer alone. I was strengthened, and enabled to bear
whatever burden the Lord seemed fit to lay upon me,
bringing the following lines to my mind with strength
and force : —

" How sweet and awful is the place
Where God unveils His lovely face ! "

For some time after I kept my house open for
prayer, from which I derived great comfort. But my
greatest delight was to take my Bible, and go into the
bush ; I felt that God indeed was there, and I could
fully appreciate the poet where she says, —

"Ye forests, that yield me my sweetest repose,
Where stillness and solitude reign,
To you I securely and boldly disclose
The dear anguish of which I complain.

Though awfully silent, and shaggy and rude,
I am charmed with the peace ye afford,

Your shades are a temple, where none will intrude,
The abode of my Lover and Lord.

While a mantle of darkness envelops the sphere.

My sorrows are sadly rehearsed.
To me the dark hours are all equa.ly dear,

And the last is as sweet as the first.

There's nothing I seem to have skill to discern,

I feel out my way in the dark ;
Love reigns in my bosom, I constantly burn,

Yet hardly distinguish the spark.

I live, yet I seem to myself to be dead,

Such a riddle is not to be found ;
I am nourished without knowing how I am fed ;

I have nothing, and yet I abound ?

B3E:

Att Adventure.

Oh, love who in darkness are pleased to hide,

Though dimly yet surely I see
That these contrarieties only reside

In the soul ihat is chosen of Thee! "

Time passed on, and still remaining in the same
place, I followed my profession. Some ladies living
at the Tottington Sheep Station (a place twenty m_iles
from where I resided) having been out for a drive,
got accidentally overturned, the carriage was smashed,
and the ladies were severely injured. The groom
Vv'ho summoned me, having many more places to go
to, started off, and I was thus compelled to start
alone to give assistance. When I had proceeded
about ten miles, I saw a man whose appearance was
not very prepossessing. I turned my horse on to the
grass that the sound of his footsteps might be hushed.
When I reached the top of the hill, I perceived the
man walking in the middle of the flat in the road,
which, being narrow, gave only just room for one
vehicle to run. He turned round and saw me coming,
and immediately placed himself in the middle of the
road. I discovered his intentions. I wo iked my horse
very slowly, pondering in my mind the best action to
take, Many things rushed into my mind. If I faced
him he might shoot me or the horse, for some would
commit murder for the sake of a few shillings. I
was getting in close quarters, and he still kept his
position. I could not strike across from the road, for
on either side was a deep quagmire, which would
have been fatal to both horse and rider. Through
fear, and thoughts of my late husband, I gave the
animal a switch rather sharper than he had been
accustomed to receive ; but he evidently understood

112

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

what was meant by it, for he sprang forward, and the
man, seeing that I should ride over him, stepped a
little on one side as I almost flew past him. Just as
I was passing him, he sprang at the bridle, but not
taking sufficient hold he rolled over, and fell into the
quagmire. I, however, did not stop, but rode on till
my faithful companion began to show signs of fatigue.
I then reined in, as I had a river to ford. On the
road I passed two gangs of men, but they took no
notice of me. It was not such as I that they wanted.
A few days after I heard that the escort, which was
proceeding to Melbourne, had been robbed, and
several were wounded in the affray.

After I had attended to my patients I set off, not
wishing to remain all night, as I might be wanted at
home. It was getting late and would soon become
dark, June being one of the winter months. I was
fortunate enough to be able to cross the creek before
darkness set in. I then let my horse take his own
course home, as I could not see the way, feeling sure
he would not miss his way. He proceeded at a
rapid pace, and in an incredibly short time stopped
and gave his well-known neigh, which he always did
for the man who groomed him to take charge of
him. I then found we had reached home ;

" Yet not my home, though it was made so
With earnest love and care.
How can it be my own dear home,
And he I loved no longer there ?"

■MbBiMaHaMAii

CHAPTER XIV.

Cheering Letters. — St. Arnaud. — I start for Melbourne.—
Painful Reminiscences. — A Den of Infamy. — My Escape. —
Comfortable Quarters. — Melbourne.

HE English mail was now due, and I received
ten letters, which gave me pleasure and re-
newed faith in God. How well-timed those

letters arrived to give me comfort from friends so

many miles away !

" Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take ;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head."

And ye also who are tried on every hand by losses
and crosses; God will appear for you when you most
need Him. Your extremity is His opportunity. He
will deliver, and cause you to rejoice in Him.

My health declining, I was advised to go to Mel-
bourne for a change. Before I proceed further a .short
description of St. Arnaud will, I have no doubt,
interest the reader. The town consisted of four or
five shops and an English church. There were several
excellent government offices, with some substantially-
built houses of brick, the Victoria Bank, and well-
made streets, and, as the case almost everywhere, there
were four or five places where intoxicating liquors
were sold. The chief support of the town was quartz-

U ■

114

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

reef mining for gold, but which has turned out to be
a failure. On the whole, St. Arnaud is a pretty little
township, surrounded with all the beauties of nature.
In many places the scenery presented appearances of
an English gentleman's garden, being mingled with
various kinds and colours of grasses. In the distance
could be seen several clumps of trees, which a new
chum (a designation for a new-comer) might at first
suppose had been planted by some gentleman who
lived near ; overhanging rocks covered with lovely
foliage added to the pleasant scene. As a general
rule, the trees, especially the gum-trees, grow to a
great height and size.

A short distance from the town is the " Murry
Scrub," an impenetrable thicket, composed of creepers
and underwood of various-coloured foliage.

A report having been raised that gold had been
strurk in a reef some distance in the scrub, a party
went with the determination to penetrate if possible
into the midst of this thicket. After cutting a road
for more than a mile they came to the reef, which was
situated on the top of a hill. Gold was, however,
found only in small quantities. I took the oppor-
tunity to ascend the hill with the explorers, and a
more beautiful sight could not have been seen for
many miles round. In some parts of the bush are
many wild cattle, and, unless they were branded,
belonged to those who could catch them.

Nine months had passed away since the death of
Mr. Stannard, and my health had not improved. I
therefore started for Melbourne, leaving a married
couple in charge of my house.

Starting for Melbourne.

11=;

Part of the journey had to be traversed by a coach,
passing over the very spot where a few months before
my husband had laid in the agony of a violent death.
All nature seemed to wear a cheerful aspect, but I
was not cheerful ; the memory of him I had so
recently lost being fresh on my mind. I left my
home, not knowing whether I .should ever behold
again that lovely spot, where the bush teemed wih
the feathered tribe, whose plumage ranged from royal
blue to deep scarlet. Howcer low the spirits might
be, one could not but admire the parrots and parakeets,
with others of different colours, which were leaping
and running about, apparently void of any fear.

It was a fine morning in the summer month of
December when 1 started to Melbourne by the coach,
which proceeded as far as Castlemaine ; the rest of the
journey was accomplished by rail, which was quite a
novelty to me, having become accustomed to rough
travelling. The train by which I travelled did not
reach Melbourne till one o'clock the next morning
after I started ; and, being a perfect stranger to the
place, I gave the coachman orders to drive me to a
first-class hotel ; but, instead of obeying orders, he
drove me to a notoriously bad house in the city. At
that late hour, being full of thought, I omitted to
notice his number, as I have no doubt but that he
was in league with the keepers, and thought he had
taken them an excellent prize, as I had a quantity of
luggage, and he knew by the train that I had pro-
ceeded from the gold-fields. This was Saturday
night, and I was thinking of the great treat I should
have the next day in going to the House of God ;

I 2

ii6

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

for, though my house had at all times been open for
worship, which was well attended, yet I longed for
the liouse of prayer,

I had not been able to partake of any food while
travelling ; and feeling faint, I ordered something to
eat and some tea to drink. When the waiter brought
it in, I was much astonished at the large dish set
before me, and which contained about eight pounds of
mutton-chops, all hudd'.d together. It did not take
me long to discover that I might use the same ex-
pression as many hawking men in England, who sell
fly-papers, and who shout, " Catch 'em alive, O ; " for
the chops literally heaved with interesting creatures
on the dish, being full of maggots. The tea was
brought in by the servant girl, who had rather an
interesting face, and while waiting upon me gave me
a look full of meaning, which I interpreted as "Don't
you drink that;" and accordingly I did not drink it.
Every now and then, five or six gaily-dressed girls,
with two or three rough-looking men, came, and
having had a good stare at me, each in turn persuad-
ing me to go to bed and assuring me that my luggage
would be quite safe. I informed them that I was not
sleepy, and would rather remain up. As • '{\Q.y could
not prevail upon me to go to bed, a fearful-looking
old creature came, and began to talk at a fearful rate,
telling me that I must go to bed, as it was Saturday
night, and my luggage was perfectly safe. I replied
that I would much rather remain, though it was not a
sleeping room, which I found to be far back, and only
one window, and even that looked into another room.-
I, however, still persisted either my luggage go with

Escape from the Dai.

I 17

me, or I remain where it was. The old lady observed
that I was " the stubbornest customer she had ever
hac' ;" to which I replied, " I am sorry, but I mean
what I say." I was then left, and the door was
fastened. I sat until morning, and was very anxious
to see the sov^ant who had brought the tea, but did
not get a glimpse of her until the evening. The
doors were all kept closed during Sunday, though I
heard some strange proceedings in the house.

As soon as it was safe to speak, I asked the girl
what kind of place it was, making her a faithful
promise I would not reveal anything that she might
say ; and at the same time promising, if she would
unlock the front door, I would handsomely reward
her. She replied that she dare not until the follow-
ing morning, when all suspicion would rest upon
myself. She also said that all who came there were
robbed and quietly put away, leaving me unmis-
takably to infer what she meant, rendering my feel-
ings of a not very pleasant nature. I left this den
of iniquity at four o'clock on Monday morning,
having been there about thirty hours, during which
time I bad not taken any refreshment, and was
therefore faint from my long fasting. I remained in
the street more than an hour, though a good distance
from the lion's den. A constable came up, and was
much surprised to see me at that hour of the day
standing amidst a quantity of luggage, and inquired
why I was standing there. I informed him where I
had been, and gave him the best description I could
of the place, as I did not know it by name. He in-
quired very particularly if I had all my luggage safe,

ii8

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

telling me it was the worst house in the city. Having
hailed a passing cab, he stowed my luggage safe, and
ordered the driver to proceed to Tankard's Temper-
ance Hotel.

Upon arriving, I found that everything was in per-
fect order, very clean, and a first-class table : all
dining together in a large room, where every one was
expected to appear at the table in neat array.

It was a beautiful place, but expensive. I remained
there just long enough to look around me for cheaper
accommodation. I was fortunate in obtaining excel-
lent apartments with a surgeon and his family, who
were kind people.

Melbourne is a large city, with splendid buildings,
handsome library, a large, well-built, and substantial
hospital, with fine grounds. There were large shops
equal to those in London, botanical gardens, and
splendid parks, beautiful cemetery, and handsome
government house. I saw different places of worship ;
some were built on a grand scale with stone. The
Post Office at that time was built of wood, but a new
one of granite was in course of erection.

While at this place, I was one of the many who
saw Burke and Mills, who had been starved to death
in the bush, on an exploring expedition. Their
bodies being found, were brought back to Melbourne,
where they lay in state several days.

The suburb called " St. Kilda ;" is a very pretty
place, with good beach, fine sea-side lodging accom-
modation, and bathing machines.

There are various other suburban tcwns, very
pretty. There is a large asylum called the " Yarra

r. '

Paddle's Market.

119

Bend," from the Yarra river, which runs in serpentine
form in close proximity.

One of the greatest attractions in Melbourne is the
large market, which is called the " Paddies' Market.'
Everything could here be purchased, fish and grapea
being predominant. I paid a visit once, and a brief
description will, I have no doubt, interest my reader.
On arriving at the market, I was much puzzled and
confused by the almost indescribable confusion which
reigned. The buyers and sellers were all, or nearly
all, composed of Hibernians, whose chief delight
seemed to be in exercising their lungs in a very
hearty and vociferous manner, using their voice in the
loudest key for various cat-calls, the purport of which
I cannot describe, for it seemed to me to be a per-
fect Babel ; fish, sweets, old clothes, grapes, hard-
ware, and other commodities, being mixed together in
indescribable confusion.

One of the greatest sights to be witnessed is the
jetty, and the shipping on the broad and beautiful
waters of Port Philip Heads, which expands into a
capacious inlet or harbour, varying from sixty t3
eighty miles in breath, and including an area of
about 870 square miles. The largest fleet of ship-
ping that ever went to sea could here cast anchor
with perfect safety. Steamers run from the Heads
to all parts of the world. There is an excellent
court-house and gaol ; a good substantial bridge
has been erected over the Yarra Yarra, at great
cost, and composed of one arch of 153 feet span,
and about 30 feet in width. The depot for emi-
grants is a short distance away, over the bridge,

120

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse,

where the inmates were in every way made comfort-
able. During the day the emigrants who stay at
the depot go out in quest of work, returning in the
evening. In return for their board and lodging, they
are expected to perform a little work. Sober and
industrious persons, however, seldom remain long out
of employment.

V^'

:it
IC

■y

d
It

CHAPTER XV.

More Troublp:. — Another Removal.— An Agreeable Surprise

— I AM APPOINTED IIeAD NuRSE. — I HAVE TO LEAVE TIIROUOIf

Ill-health. — I oEr an Appointment as Companion to
England.— '• No Lady." — A 1'kize.— Queer Fish.— h:KiiEK(;s.

AVING now somewhat recovered in health, I
considered it wise to inform my landhidy
what my profession was, thinking it possible
that she and her husband might assist me in procur-
ing employment as companion to a lady. With the
same object in view, I called upon my old friend Dr.
Girdlestone, formerly of Ararat, but now of Mel-
bourne.

Afew days after a vacancy occurred at the Melbourne
hospital. I became a candidate, but was an unsuc-
ful one. One day I had been out in quest of employ-
ment; I returned home in a dejected state of m.nd,
and to my surprise I found the bailiffs in possession
of the house, and everything was seized, and had I
been much later my property too would have been
impounded. As it was, I had much trouble in making
the bailiffs understand which was mine. This was
quite an unexpected trial. I had at once to seek
fresh quarters, which I fortunately obtained at the
house of a Madame Brunette, a French lady, with
whom I was very comfortable. I returned to remove

122

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

my goods, and found the doctor's wife and the
servants were in tears, he having failed through
losses over which he had no control. Thinking I
might soon be placed in similar circumstances at my
fresh lodgings, I commenced to curtail my mode of
living until my funds were increased by supplies from
St. Arnaud. Days passed away, no money came,
and I could get no appointment. 3'^ach day I felt my
position to be getting worse, causing me great pri-
vation. Many a time did I feel that in my father's
house there was enough and to spare, whilst I was
compelled to be satisfied with less than enough ; a
wanderer in a foreign land, amid the countless throng,
in sorrow and tribulation. Many forms of application
had I used f ^r various offices, but all was vain. One
day, and, in my own mind, the last day that I would
maliC any attempt to obtain an appointment, de-
termined if not successful, I would by some means
rciurn to St. Arnaud, I wandered forth, feeling a
great rising of rebellion and murmuring, because
God did not appear to me there in that great city —
alone ; for I felt in every sense of the word alone,
believing that God had forsaken me. My heart sent
up a cry to Heaven for deliverance, for I felt that

"Thousands passed on, and no one stayed his pace
To tell me what the day was, fair or rainy.

Each one his object seeks with anxious chase,
And I have not a common hope with any.

Thus like one drop of oil upon the flood

In uncommunicated solitude

Singly I am, amid the countless many."

I was not successful in obtaining a situation, and
I directed my steps homewards with a heavy heart,

Engaged as Nurse.

123

feeling my burden almost too much to bear. I par-
took of my frugal me^il, though I never really felt
hungry. I used every economy, in order that my
apartments should be regularly paid up.

When I arrived home, I was informed that there
was a letter for me. I felt very glad, believing it was
the money for which I had written. On perusing my
letter, I was much surprised to find it had come from
the ho.spital at which a short time before I had been
an unsuccessful candidate. It was a request for me
to call as early as possible, a request I lost no time in
complying with.

On arriving at the hospital, I saw Mr. Williams,
the manager, who, knowing I had been a candidate
for the office of matron, told me, if I was not engaged,
they had now a vacancy for a head nurse. If I could
accept the office, they would be glad for me to com-
mence at once. I accepted the offer, and was en-
gaged at ;^40 per annum, with the promise of an
advance.

I returned home full of gladness, and, having packed
up my goods, was soon in possession of my charge.

Here was a sudden change from the pit of gloom
and horror into a flood of light and joy, and I felt
that,

" Sorrow and love go side br side,
Nor height nor deplli can e'er divide

Their heaven-appointed bands.
Those dear associates still are one,
Nor till the race of life is run,
Disjoint their wedded hands."

Once more I had the sick and dying under my
care, and here again I had the opportunity of speak-

«i

124

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

ing of the worth of Jesus, of His redeeming love and
mercy to us poor sinners.

I remained several months, receiving great kind-
ness from every one, yet, in spite of all, my health
began rapidly to decline. Everything that could be
done was done to restore it, but in vain. The doctors
advised a sea voyage. In the course of a few days, I
was fortunate in getting an engagement with a lady
as companion, and to accompany her to England.
My kind friends and patients took leave of me in a
most affectionate manner; some of them wrote to me
after I reached England.

In leaving the hospital, I could not but look back
with some degree of pleasure upon the few months I
had been there, devoting my time to the best of all
occupations, and look forward to a time when I could
return and renew my duties.

Arriving on board the " Dover Castle," bound for

England, I was soon introduced to Mrs. C , her

husband having himself engaged me. To my sur-
prise, I soon discovered that it was no lady I was to
accompany as companion, but, if I might judge by
appearances, a big powerful servant, who had the good
fortune to meet with a squatter for a husband, and he
had not failed to provide every comfort for the voyage.

Our cabin was an excellent one, being at the stern
of the vessel. On the 15th of March, 1863, we
weighed anchor, and onwards we glided over the
calm, deep, blue sea. Nothing could be more beauti-
ful than what appeared on the line of coast for a
great distance. A breeze sprang up, which, filling
the sails, made me inwardly exclaim, —

A Priz".

125

" Pilot through the mighty ocean,
Lord of earth and heaven and sea ;
Thou canst quell the wild waves' motion ;
All my hopes are fixed on Thee."

The voyage some days was far more cheerfully spent
than others. Many things arise which cause the
feelin<js to be cast down, while, on the other hand,
many others may equally fill each passenger with joy.

\V'e had been to sea about a fortnight and, whilst I
was enjoying a walk on the poop, I was summoned to
attend my lady, who was taken suddenly ill. To my
intense disgust, I discovered that she had been
making much too free with ardent spirits, and was in
u position that no lady would ever wish to be. After

she was somewhat composed, Mr. C desiied me

as much as possible to keep all intoxicating drink from
her, as she would hide it anywhere ; and his reason for
taking her a long voyage was to endeavour to wean
her of her pernicious habit. I felt myself to be in no
enviable position : I, however, resolved to do my
best.

A few days after another scene presented itself, but
of a different kind. All eyes were turned towards an
object \. hich appeared in the distance. The captain
resolved to send off a boat, and several gentlemen on
board desired to accompany the two sailors who were
deputed, with the chief officer, to capture the prize.
The boat which was to carry them to the object in
vievv was hanging on the davits, and the gentlemen
at once placed themselves in it. When the order
" Let her off !" was given, several sailors placed them-
selves at one end of the boat, and passengers at the

126

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

other. When all was ready, the captain gave the
order, " Let go!" The sailors at once obeyed by
letting their end of the chain drop, but the passengers
still held on, causing the boat to drop perpendicular,
instead of alighting on lb. ^v r, and causing the
occupants to tumble over in .iCjalong haste into the
mighty deep. Then arose a great splashing and
chattering on all sides, causing great confusion. Some
v. ho were thus immersed could swim, and some could
not. Fortunately, we were just gliding along, being
almost becalmed. We had on board some New
Zealand chiefs, who were making a tour to England,
and being excellent swimmers they at once leapt
into the water, and soon picked up those Avho could
not swim ; so that none were lost. After 'iic confusion
had somewhat subsided, the boat «' :> n.anned a
second time ; the previous valorous e: ji' -■. ir tiow felt
no desire to make the discovery as to whai ' i ^ distant
object was. When the prize was reached, it was found
to be a boat in good order, and containing a large
quantity of fish. The prize was brought to the ship,
and the contents was distributed amongst those on
board, and which we all enjoyed next morning for
breakfast.

A few hours after a stiff breeze r^pi.-nf- '-p, and we
fell in for rough weather, which seme ot the passen-
gers could not appreciate, particulaily when the dead
lights were put i; , the c-ibins then being in darkness.

When the storm was over we enjoyed a walk upon
the poop. The sun again shone brightly, and we
amused ourselves by fishing with nets. We caught
many strange-looking creatures.

irrr

Icebergs.

127

While sailing along we saw the grandest of all
sights, viz., the majestic icebergs, which arc brought
down by the current into the i^ tlantic, rising to several
hundred feet above the level of the vast expanse of
water, some being of immense length. Tho sailors
informed us that they were supposed to be two feet
below the water for one foot above. They are very
dangerous to ships on their course, as large pieces
floating under water grind against the bottom of the
ship, and destroy the copper. All who see these
gigantic movin-^- mountains of solid water are led to
exclaim with the great Psalmist, " These see the
works of the Lord and His wonders in the deep."

One morning it was intensely cold, and we dis-
covered that we had passed two of these majestic
dangers of the deep. We could not fail being deeply
impressed with the fact that nothing but the ever-
watchful eye and protecting care of God could have
preserved us from having been crushed to death in
their cold embrace, as we were not far from them.
Many vessels have been lost through coming into
c<^ntPct with them.

■■■■

wai

iMi

CHAPTER XVI.

On Board the " Dovkr Casti.e." — Nearing England. — Birth in
THE Docks. — Home. — Halifax. — New Zealander's Recogni-
tion.—Another Travelling Engagement.— An Unami-
ABLE Captain.— Sandy Hook. — In Search of Lodgings.

E had preaching on the poop every Sun-
day, weather permitting, by the Rev. Mr-
Guinness, a minister of the Church of
England, who was a good plain speaker. He also
held prayer meetings on week evenings between
deck.s, at which many of the sailors would be present,
and who paid great attention while the Iloly Scrip-
tures were faithfully expounded. On a Sabbath
morning in particular it would have cheered many a
Christian's heart to hear about three hundred voiceii
singing the praise of the /Mmighty God, and the
mighty waters joining in concert with their sweet and
musical ripples.

Our captain did all he could for the comfort of the
passengers. Seats were placed in every available
space on these occasions. Flags were hung round
the poop, which enclosed it, and made it appear as
much as possible like the House of God. The kind-
ness of Captain Hales was appreciated by all who
were on board.

The moon is an obioct at sea which creates a deal

Merry Making.

129

of pleasure. It is a very beautiful sight, which many
of the passengers sit up late to watch.

" 'Tis half-past one, three bells have tolled,
The waning moon, now nearly gone,
Like paynim's shield of burnished gold,

Rest on the distant horizon. •

Phosphoric flakes fly shimmering back,

To mingle with the seething foam,
Marking a long white glistening track

To show the way thac we have come.

The silent watch patrols the deck.

With sleepless look and steady stride ;

And views yon ship that like a speck
Skims lightly o'er the swelling tide.

The Southern Cross dips in the brine
Its glitteriing feet of starry spheres ;

S .veet emblem of our faith divine ;

The sailor's hope through long, long years.

O Thou whose ever-watchful eye

Discerns all human mystery.

Guard all Thy people on the sea.

And bring us at last to heaven and Thee."

The monotony, if such it can be called, of such a
long sea voyage was greatly relieved by various
amusements, as holding courts of justice, poaching on
the high seas, breach of promise cases ; also the
capture of lovers who ran away from home to get
married, each scene never failing to create roars of
laughter, as the gentlemen always took the part of
each person represented in the trial. Previous, how-
ever, to these merry-makingb, the help of the ladies
was required, in making wigs of tow for those who
took the parts of attorney, and which help the ladies

130

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

performed with much pleasure, fceHng it a delight to
aid any cause which would increase the pleasure . d
happiness of their fellow passengers. In wet weather,
many of the gentlemen would g've very interesting
lectures in the saloon, where many would assemble to
listen. The New Zealand chiefs enlivened the pro-
ceedings much by playing many of their native
games, and the sailors also got up several games,
and, with a good shaking in rough weather occa-
sionally, we passed the voyage in a very pleasant
manner.-

We are nearing England, and every one is gazing
with eager eyes to catch a glimpse of that land which
is so dear to all, especially the English. A thrill of
joy runs through every vein, as old and dear friends,
fathers and mothers, are in anticipation of being met
after, it may be, many years' absence, by equally
anxious and expecting friends.

My earnest longings for home were for a little time
checked during the voyage. One of the ladies on
board expressed a wish that I would attend her
professionally, and which I promised to do, thinking
I should be at liberty by the time we reached
England. All went on well till just as we entered the
docks, when she gave birth to a fine son. This gave
a severe check to my tide of joy, which had arisen in
my heart, in the prospect of soon seeing old and loved
friends. I remained with her on board till she could
with safety be removed. I then went to my own
dear home, in a quiet little country village, and
which was far different from the life I had been ac-
customed to.

My old Friends.

131

After a few weeks I went to Halifax, and while
there I met with my old friends, the New Zealand
chiefs, who visited Halifiix for the purpose of giving
their entertainments. When I met them they instantly
recognized me, and, to my horror and astonishment,
and the merriment of spectators, the ugliest and yet
the finest of the group, rushed through the people and
caught me in his arms and gave me a hearty sq' ceze,
that being their mode of recognition. He instantly,
with delight, shouted to the others, telling them who
I \"as, as though they did not know. I invited them
to the home of my uncle, where they were heartily
welcomed. In the evening they gave a performance.

After remaining a few weeks I left for Liverpool,
where in a short time I was engaged to travel with

Lady C , the wife of the captain of the vessel

we sailed in.

We started in the month of November, and a more
gloomy day could not have been chosen. We were
attached to a tug, which took us as far as Skirrup,
and going down the Irish Channel was something
dreadful. Every sail was rent into ribbons, and several
parts of the rigging was destroyed. I began to think
that, like Jonah, I was not in my right place, and that
the Lord intended the storm for me. Our captain
was not the most amiable of men. He did not disap-
prove of his men swearing, he practising it himself.
His wife, however, was a thorough lady by birth and
education, and loved by all on board. The captain
often exclaimed to me, "Now, you Methodist!" — that
title he invariably bestowed on all >vho professed to
love the Lord, — " now, you Methodist, you can pray

K 2

! I

i !

I I

132

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

again, for here's another storm coming." The wind
began one night, and blew a perfect gale, tossing us
to and fro. The captain exerted himself all he could
for the safety of the ship, it being his own property ;
and he, indeed, had spared no expense in fitting it
up for comfort. The following morning brought to
light great danger, for we were standing in for field
ice, which sometimes floats down the Atlantic. We
saw a ship caught in it. The poor fellows must have
nearly lost all hope, as their ship was dismasted, and
they were clinging to some part of the rigging, on
which they had placed an old shirt as a signal of
distress. I inqui^'ed of the captain if he would not
attempt to save them. He replied, " I dare not, as
we shall soon be in the same plight." The ice was
fast approaching, still bearing down the poor fellows .
to a watery grave. We tacked just in time to clear
it, and then ran alongside for eleven knots, it being
of such an extent that we could not discover its
width.

Glad was I when we touched Sandy Hook. Here
again we were towed into port, the captain paying a
handsome sum for the accommodation.

The next morning we found that our sailors had all
run away except two. One was engaged in cleaning
and painting the mast, when his foot slipped and he
fell, breaking his back and both arms, and which
caused his death in a few moments.

I had seen and heard so much of the captain
during the first part of the voyage, that led me to
the conclusion tHit I should not be very happy in
continuing the v^^yage. Our agreement was that if

. i.ir;

Treated as a Spy.

133

at any port a separation should be desired on either
side it could be effected, and of which arrangement I
availed myself, though feeling sorry for the lady, who,
I felt sure, would be deeply grieved at the separation.
I remained with her till the ship sailed, which was
about four weeks.

The American war was still raging, and many of
the people took me to be a spy ; some, before I had
time to make known the object of my calling, would
bang the door in my face, with a not ver}' polite
" No ! " It was late in the day, and I was very
wearied. I could not get lodgings, though I offered
fabulous sums for accommodation. I went back to
the ship for the night, almost persuaded to proceed
with them ; still my mind revolted at the profane
language I should hear, if I proceeded on the voyage,
I, however, made up my mind that, whatever I
might have to pass through, go I would not, though
they offered me double the amount I was engaged
for. Next morning I pursued my search for lodg-
ings, and nearly ail the day was spent in hopeless
search. At last, walking along, wondering whether
or not God had forsaken me, I passed an old news-
paper depot in Pike Street. I looked at it, thinking
I might see an advertisement of lodgings, but the
place looked so dreadfully poor and broken-down
that I passed on, going nearly the whole length of
the long street ; but it was so impressed on my mind
that I ought to have inquired there that I returned
and went in. In the shop sat an old lady whom I
judged to be eighty years of age. She looked very
hard at me, with a quick and penetrating eye. I told

134

. Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

her how I had been tried in not meeting with lodgings.
The old lady smiled and said, " No, my child ; you
have not yet been to the place where your Father
intends you to stay." At this reply I was completely
puzzled, as not a word of that nature had previously
been' referred to by either of us. I exclaimed, " You
belong to that school, do you .-' " when, with a gleam
of joy on her countenance, she said, "Ah, for many
years." The old lady, with her daughter, wlio was
nearly sixty years of age, then entered into conversa-
tion, at the close of which they desired me to inquire
for apartments at a certain house, not far up the
street, and the only place they knew of. I quickly
sought the house, and gave a rap a little louder than
I might have done, had I not been influenced by the
hope of being successful.

The landlady herself answered the door, and soon
gave me to understand that her house was full. The
shame which I felt in having come from the old news-
shop at first made me feel inclined not to reveal the
secret of the old lady sending me. How little at that
moment did I eithei think or feel the force and mean-
ing of those words which God spake to Peter, " What
God hath cleansed that call not thou common " ! It
was pride on my part, but God in a loving manner
made it a lasting rebuke to me, never to despise His
children, who are of great value in His sight, whether
they live in a mud-hut, struggling in the world through
the depths of poverty, or in a half-fallen old house
with no window, but simply a board to slip up and
down, such being the dwelling-place of that dear old
Christian.

iiL

\^s*!i:*.::^!&i^kL; Aijttiz

Lodgings Found.

135

Seeing that I might not be successful, I informed .
the lady who had sent me. She stood for a moment
as if pondering what to do. She, however, soon gave
me to understand that, as the old lady had sent me,
I could, if I had no objection, share a part of her
room, which was large and handsomely furnished,
and which I immediately accepted. I found out she
was a widow lady, having one little daughter, an in-
teresting child often summers.

In going down to the ship, I had to pass the news-
shop. I therefore stepped in and told my old friend
that I had been successful, when she exclaimed, quite
in ecstasy of joy, " Bless His dear Name ! He will do
you good ; His promises are yea and amen ; and I
have ever found Him faithful these ninety years."

CHAPTER XVII.

My New York Home.— The City,— Sad News.— England
AGAIN. — Liverpool.— Back t^ ew York. — The War.— I
Return to England, and vi ' Father.

WAS soon installed in my new abode, and
when sitting alone I fancied I heard some
singing. I went quietly and opened the
door, for to me the sound seemed to come from a
room below. I then heard these words, —

" God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform."

I need not say that I was much affected, and could
not help shedding tears. I coiild then fully enter
into the remarks made by my old friend in reference
to the Lord doing me good. I was very anxious for
the hostess to come, that I might learn whence these
sounds proceeded, and who it was that was singing.
I had not long to wait before she came to inquire
how I became acquainted with my old friend at the
news-shop, I informed her, and thought it was no
liberty to inquire if there was a chapel near, or was
I deceived about the singing ? She replied, " Oh dear
no, madam ; we have no chapel near us ; but those are
my young gentlemen lodgers practising ; they do so
every second evening, for they are all followers of
Jesus." And so it proved that nearly every one in that
house were true Christians. I felt with the poet, —

Nciv York.

* * For sure, of all the plants that share
The notice of my Father's eye,
None prove less grateful for His care,
Or yield Him meaner fruit, than I."

I remained nearly seven weeks with tliis happy family,
during which time I frequently visited my old friend
and her daughter at the news-shop.

New \ ork possesses some splendid buildings built
of stone and marble, in blocks or squares. It is a
very fine city, and there is a large field for enterprise.
Every facility is offered to steady men, who, with
industry, have a far better chance to raise themselves
above the working class than in England. Many an
honest hardworking man has, under God's blessing,
raised himself and family to a state of affluence.
Why is it that our people are so afraid to leave the
shores of England for this vast continent, when by
doing so many have not only benefited themselves,
but their children and children's children .'' There is
in every enterprise troubles to encounter, and I do
not say that the emigrant has no difficulties to meet
with, but his perseverance is almost sure to be re-
warded in due time.

During my stay I made several incursions in dif-
ferent parts. The rivers are beautiful, and the banks
are crowned with lovely foliage. I shall not attempt
to give the reader a description of the place, as it is
almost as well known to English readers as their
own land, to which, indeed, it is brought near through
the line of steamers and the telegraph, vessels making
the run of 3,500 miles from ten to fourteen days.

While staying here the sad news came one day to

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Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

me that a part of a ship had been picked up, which
bore the name of the ship which belonged to Captain

C , and in which he set sail only six weeks before,

for China. This was the very ship in which I \vas
engaged to sail with the captain's wife. The general
opinion was that the vessel must have foundered at
sea, and all hands had perished. I could not but feel
that the Lord had been my deliverer from a watery
grave. I felt deeply grieved for the captain's wife,

I was much attached to my newly-form< d friends,
and was sorry when duty compelled me to think of
returning home. In paying my morning visit to my
old friend at the news-shop, she informed me that a
lady was required to superintend a number of first-
class lady passengers, who were going to England in
one of the mail boats. She advi d me to become a
candidate for it. I thought the suggestion a good
one, and started off at once, as no time was to be lost.
On arriving at the office, which was in Broadway, I
found an applicant was already there. We sat there
a few moments, when ladies began to arrivvj, dressed
in a variety of colours, and the language of the ap-
plicants was as varied as their dress was in colour.
We were all seated round the room when the captain,
with two or three other gentlemen, came in. vShortly
after one of them was appointed to go round to each
candidate, and make inquiry with reference to her
qualifications and fiiness for the voyage. I had a few
testimonials with me, which I busied myself in getting
into order. When he came to me, instead of locking
at my testimonials, even momentarily, he passed on
to the next candidate, and did not speak to me. at

51 '

MIIIMUIilWff^W^iWWiW^W^WtW^ga

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Another Appotntmeni.

139

all. What construction to put on this strange pro-
ceeding I did not know. I felt grieved and half
indignant, as I was the observed of all observers. I
felt excessively annoyed, and wished that I had not
become a candidate. Had the doors not been closed,
I should have attempted my exit, but other ladies
were sitting so close to me that I was compelled to
remain.

Some time was thus occupied, and the examina-
tion was about over, when to my intense mortification
the gentleman came to me. All eyes were at once
turned to me, and I wondered what fresh indignity
was to be put upon me, and I felt that a great insult
had been offered to me. When the first question was
put to me, I answered in a not very polite manner, for
my feelings were much excited. He then wished for
my testimonials. For a moment I hesitated to give
them to him. Upon receiving them they were handed
to the captain, who glanced at them and then returned
them te the gentleman, making at the same time some
reme K', which caused him to quickly turn round and
inform those present that I was appointed to the office.

I was much astonished, and looked at him with
amazement, as it was what I never expected, after
what had passed, and I did not fully realize the truth "
of it until the captain inquired if I could go on
board that night. I told him I could, and on re-
turning home I informed them what had taken place.
I took farewell of my dear and true old friend and
her daughter, and a mutual sorrow it was parting
from eilch and all, as I never expected to sec any of
them on '^arth again.

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Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

On arriving on board I at once felt at home, being
naturally fond of the sea. We had a large number
of passengers, including many ladies, on board, and
here, as on the " Dover Castle," the amusements were
varied. We had an excellent lUn home, beautiful
weather, very few sea-sick, nothing of note tran-
spiring, and we arrived safe in Liverpool. The boat
not returning for several days, the captain gave me
a letter to the Chief Manager of the National Com-
pany, who were in want of a lady to proceed
to New York with one of their steamers. I agreed
to proceed with them, and taking my luggage
went once more to brave the dangers of the deep.
In going to the ship, I felt thankful to the Lord
f^r the marvellous way in which He was caring for me.

When I arrived at the steamer, the passengers were
going on board. It was a splendid ship. It had a
large .saloon handsomely fitted up, good berths or
sleeping apartments. From my experience of voyages,
I think that there are no steamers which have so
much accommodation as those which proceed from
England, particularly the " Cunard," " Inman," and
" National " lines, and I have not yet seen them sur-
pa.ssed.

We soon weighed anchor, and I was once m3re
on my way to New York. The voyage was rather
rough, or, at least, those who were not accustomed
to the mighty deep would think so, the ship rolling
and the .sea breaking over her and dashing into the
cabin. The officers and sailors, as a rule, brave it
with a cheerful heart, and are ever ready to help
those who cannot help themselves.

Sandy Hook.

141

Sandy Hook was now in view ; and I v/iil here in- ,

form my readers that when steamers are nearing this

place there are many pilot boats. Sandy Hook is a

place where a vast quantity of sand has collected,

and stretched itself far into the sea, and which would

prove fatal to all ships approaching, unless they were

properly piloted. The pilot boats at this place are

constantly on the look-out for approaching vessels, to

take them into port. Each pilot boat has a ail, on

which is painted the number of the boat in large

ficrures, and which can be seen a distance off. On

some of the steamers there is a lottery got up by

the on board. A certain sum of money is deposited

by each to one who has been chosen. A number is

then drawn by each, those particular numbers being

known to be amongst tlie approaching boats. It is

seldom that more than one boat comes to the steamer.

As the boat approaches, every eye is anxiously and

eagerly turned to se- what the number is and who

takes the prize.

We arrived in safety ar^^ good health at our des-
tination, and the pas- jers all prepared to go on
shore. Many had friends who met them on board.

Having no one to meet me, I lost no time in pre-
paring to visit the friends with whom I had previously
abode. We were much pleased to find that we had
been spared to meet each other again. Upon making
inquiry respecting my old friend at the news-shop,
I was informed that shortly after I left she was taken
ill, and died a most triumphant death. She was where
" the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are
at reb*--" Her daughter, too, had died. I was much

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Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

grieved, for I had been looking forward with pleasure
to the time when I should hear from her lips more
of those truths which had often cheered my heart
— the love and faithfulness of Jehovah.

I remained a few days, now and then going down
to see the poor men go off to the battle-field. The
dread sound of war rang in every home* It was a
solemn sight to see fine young mer, fathers of fami-
lies, and even big lads shouldering a gun and going
to a work from which hundreds never returned. I felt
impelled by a strong desire to give them my service,
and with that feeling I saw the celebrated Dr. Mott
upon the subject, and volunteered to go to the field
of battle. He gave me some excellent advice, in which
he remarked, " You may lose your head or get shot,
but anyhow it will be in a glorious cause." " Yes," I
replied, " and also in the path of duty." He then
gave me the address of the gentleman who made
the arrangements, and gave every instruction to
those who were sufficiently accomplished to brave the
dangers of the battle-field. He had not a sufficient
number of volunteers at that time, so I was obliged
to wait a short time till a muster could be made to
forward to the camp. Being engaged to return with
the steamer t) Liverpool, I w^s in hopes I should be .
able to return in time to join them in relieving the
wants of the poor dying soldiers.

Taking leave of my friends once more, and with a
determination to return if possible, I went on board.
There was a large number of passengers, and, as
usual, plenty of amusements to cheer them. We
saw a large quantity of ice, but nothing worth notice

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Visit my Father.

i43

occurred. All appeared to be happy ; very few were
sea-sick. On arriving at Liverpool my service was at
an end, and not being again required, I went to visit
my father, with a view to take a long, and perhaps a
final, farewell of my friends ; yet I informed none of
my intentions of returning to America.

r %

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CHAPTER XVIII.

A Telegram.— A Considerate Station-Master. — Too I-ate,
BUT ALL Right. — The "City of London," bound for
America. — The Nautilus. — Gloomy News at Charleston.
— Fonthill, Canada West. — The Missionary's Widow. —
Homeward Bound. — Liverpool and London.

HAD not been home long before I received
a telegram to proceed at once to Liverpool,
to join another steamer, which had a large
number of first-class lady passengers, who had taken
berths to proceed to New York. This request I at
once complied with, and calling at a relation's house
in London, where part of my luggage was generally
left, I just waited to change my raiment, and collect-
ing a few things together, hastened to the Euston
Station, where on paying the cab fare I found I had
no money for the journey to Liverpool, having left
my purse in another dress. I was rather puzzled
what to do. I must lose no time, for I had already
missed one train that I ought to have gone by. After
a few minutes' reflection I went to the station-master
and stated the awkward way in which I was placed,
and asked him to lend me the money. He inquired
how much luggage I had. I replied, " Only a small
parcel," the luggage I required for the voyage being at
Liverpool. He smiled, and said to the guard, " Pass
her on to Liverpool ; when there she will pay her

A Disappointvunt.

145

fare." On reaching my destination, I procured some
money and paid the guard my railway fare, and then
proceeded .0 the sailing department in Water Street,
where I arrived just ten minutes beyond the time
stated in the telegram. I was met and somewhat
startled by the announcement of the head clerk, who
exclaimed, " Oh, Mrs. Stannard, I'm sorry to see
you." I was perfectly astonished, and thought it a
strange remark, especially when I had been sent for.
He observed my astonishment, and informed me that
the steamer for which I was wanted had just gone, I
being only ten minutes too late. He, however, wished
me to call the next morning at half-past eight, and to
be punctual.

On entering the office the next morning I saw at once
that something was wrong, several gentlemen being

there in earnest conversation. Mr. J informed me

it was a providence that I was too late for the steamer
which I should have gone by ; something was the mat-
ter with the boat, bift to what extent they did not
then know.

Another steamer was got ready, and for a few days
I rested quite content that I had been delivered from
all that trouble.

Having met with a lady, as companion, we at once
went on board the " City of London," bound for
America. We had a pleasant voyage, and saw large
numbers of the nautilus, which I will just notice. It
resembles a wee ship, and called by the sailors " the
Portuguese man-of-war." I have seen numbers on the
outh Pacific coast not objecting to hoist their sails in
rough weather. One great peculiarity belonging to it

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Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

is that it perfers to go against wind and waves. When
floating along it resembles a ship in full sail. It was
wonderful to see so little a creature — for to me it was
the smallest I had seen — resembling a ship, beautiful
and perfect, the colours of some being of brilliant pink
and blue, and some purple, gallantly sailing on, braving
the wind and billows, forming a sweet and instructive
lesson to the Christian, who while he passes through
this life has to battle against the many cares. This
peculiar little creature has the power of stinging.
Several on board were very anxious to examine it more
minutely, so by means of a net we captured one. It
very quickly furled its little sails, and when it came
upon deck it resembled a lump of jelly, having at one
end many very small strings or tentacula hanging down,
two and three feet long, some being longer than others.
It was put into a vessel, and while there, a young gen-
tleman, desiring to examine it underneath, took it up
in his hand, but, to our astonishment, he no sooner took
it up than he dropped it down again, while he stamped
and roared in a most fearful way, declaring he was
stung as if by a thousand wasps ; a few minutes after
he turned very pale and sick. The little creature was
then allowed to return to its native element, no one
caring to examine it further. Quickly setting its little
sails, it soon took leave of us. The poet Coleridgv very
beautifully says in an Ode to the Nautilus : —

" In fairy pinnace gaily flashing,

Through the white foam proudly clashing,

The joyous playmate of the buxom breeze,

The fearless foundling of the mighty seas,

Thou thy light sail boldly spreadest ;

O'er the furrowed waters gliding, ^

Charleston. M7

Thou no wreck, no foeman dreadest,
Thou no help nor compass needest,
While the sun is bright above thee,
While the bounding surges love thee.
In their deepening bosoms hide thee,

Thou can'st not fear,

Small mariner ! .

For tho' the tides, with restless motion.
Bear thee to the desert ocean ;
Far as the ocean stretch to the sea,
'Tis all thine own, 'tis all thy empery.
Lame is Art, and her endeavours
Follow Nature's course but slowly,
Guessing, toiling, seeking ever,
Still improving, — perfect never.
Little Nautilus, thou showest
Deeper wisdom than thou knowest,
Lore which man should study slowly,

Bold faith and cheei'.

Small mariner !

Thine within thy pearly dwelling.
Thine a law of life compelling,
Obedience perfect, simple, glad, and free,
To the great Will that animates the sea."

All went on board well ; our time being spent in
reading, promenading on the poop, and watching
the flying fish and the gambols of the playful porpoise.

We arrived at New York in due time, but did not
remain long, the lady with whom I was travelling
being in search of her husband, who was at the
seat of war. The journey was a very tedious one,
and not accomplished without incurring great danger.
On arriving at Charleston, we found that he had
been mortally wounded, and his demise was the
cause of our not being able to carry out our wishes
to that extent we had made up our minds to do, in

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148'

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

helping and nursing the wounded. Shortly after the
lady decided to proceed to Fonthill, Canada West. I
felt a great desire to remain, but duty, under so trying
a circumstance, rendered it impossible for me to leave
her. I found her mind was made up to proceed to
England, and finally to her father, who was in Aus-
tralia. The path of duty to me was plain. At Font-
hill we met another lady, the widow of a missionary,
and she was seeking for some one suitable to accom-
pany her tJ England. I saw her, and arrangements
were made for her to go with us.

I could but look at the mysterious path the Lord
was leading me. Roth the ladies expressed a wish to
sail by way of New York, each having business to
transact. We at length took our passage in the " City
of Baltimore " for old England.

My whole time was much taken up in endeavour-
ing to cheer up my company in tribulation to make
any note upon passing events.
God, I was led to exclaim.

Viewing the hand of

"The fictions power of chance
And fortune I defy,
My life's minutest circumstance
Is subject to riis eye.

Oh, might I doubt no more,

But in His pleasure rest,
Whose wisdom, love, and power

Engage to make me blest ! "

I needed strength to undertake the delightful yet
solemn engagement to comfort and cheer those ladies,
whose hearts were wrung* with sorrow and deep
anguish, and I indeed could well sympathize with
them. The missionary's widow had a son, an inte-

Return to London.

149

resting little fellow of twelve summers ; he seemed to
have greatly felt the loss of his father, whose death
was most appalling, he having died at the hands of a
murderer, far up beyond the Niagara, where he had
been proclaiming to savages the glorious plan of sal-
vation by the blood of the Lamb.

The voyage was a blessed one to each of us.
While God enabled me to cheer others in this rugged
path of sorrow and conflict, I myself felt strengthened
and encouraged to persevere, for

" The saints should never be dismayed,
Nor sink in hopeless fear,
For when^they least expect His aid
The Saviour will appear.

Blest proof of power and grace divine,

That meets us in His word.
May every deep-felt care of [mine

Be trusted with the Lord !

Wait for His seasonable aid,

And, though it tarry, wait,
The promise may be long delayed.

But cannot come too late."

No, dear reader, though the Lord niayl seem to
turn a deaf ear to our cry, 'He most assuredly will
appear. . '

The time now drew near when once more I must
take leave of those to whom I had become attached,
especially the widow and her darling boy. When we
arrived in Liverpool, we wished mutual blessings, and
took a long farewell. I then returned to London,
for the purpose of recruiting my strength, for I was
not thoroughly well.

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CHAPTER XIX.

Another ArpoiNTMKNT. — Scotland. — C\pe de Verde Island. —
Falkland Islands. — Cape Horn. — Storms and Trouble. —
Birth on Board. — ^Juan Fernandez. — A Levlvthan. — An
Albatross. — The Pilot-fish. — The Stormy Petrel.

FTER a few weeks, I received \ letter from a
medical man in London, requesting an inter-
view at an early period. Upon visiting him>
he gave me to understand he was in want of a person
who could take the entire charge of a lady profession-
ally, and who could also be a confidential companion,
for she was about to travel for some months. He gave
me the address of one of her relatives, the lady herself
being in Liverpool. After a short interview with her
friends, and correspondence with herself, I was engaged.
At the time appointed I proceeded to Liverpool to join
her. Her husband was busily engaged superintending
the ship being filled up, he having bought it for the
intended trip, nothing being left undone for our com-
fort. We remained a few days, and then at the sug-
gestion of the captain, who thought it might be too
rough to go by the ship down the Channel, we started
by rail for Glasgow, where we arrived the same evening
and went direct to the Queen's Hotel.

I am not at all surprised that our beloved Queen
should prefer the quietude and beautiful .scenery of the
glens and valleys of Scotland to the noise and gaze of
the people who delight to surround her at home.

Cape dc Vcrdc.

iSi

-An

Wc set sail from Glasgow, and enjoyed the lovely
trip down the Clyde, and dropped anchor at Greenock,
where we remained for a few days, the sailors putting
the ship in trim for the sea voyage. The rigging set
up and the sails unfurled, we at once got under weigh.
At first we went ahead, yet the winds were light, the
weather warm, and the sun always shining bright.

We reached Cape de Verde Island, which is a part
of the Portuguese territory. The officials would not
allow us to go on shore. This caused us much annoy-
ance, especially as we were on a pleasure trip. They
sent a yellow flag with which they intended to put us
into quarantine, alleging as their reason that a ship not
long before had taken into the harbour small pox, which
proved fatal to several of the natives. After the yellow
flag was hoisted, the government officer came alongside
our ship, with an English interpreter, and called out for
the doctor to give a statement of the health of all on
board. The captain called me, and told the interpre-
ter that I was the only doctor on board. When I
made my appearance, and they had been led to under-
stand as to who I was, to the great amusement of all
on board, the natives with a deafening shout said that
they " had never seen a he-she doctor before." After
I had fully satisfied them as to the health of all on
board, they gave three cheers and went away.

The captain bought a goat, kid, bananas, and many
other articles. Though the natives had pretended
that they would not touch a thing belonging to us,
they very eagerly grasped the money for all articles
sold.

The place appeared very rocky and barren. There

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Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

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was a running brook, at which we saw a number of
the natives washing, apparently superintended by a
white man. They did *ot rub the articles, but each
w )man ^isd a large smooth stone, as far as we could
judge, o.i ^V'\ich the linen was beaten, by throwing it
first over one shoulder and then over the other, which
no doubt was refreshmg to them, as tne upper part of
the body was exposed to the burning sun.

After sta\'ing there a few days, we took leave of the
island, and with a fair wind went onward as fast as
we could for Cape Horn. When off the river La
PJata w^e encountered a strong gale ; the waves ran
mountains high, the lightning flashed, and the thunder
roared : but our ship went bravely on. Of fair winds
I think we had the least share. We lost the kid and
goat, which had become universal favourites. The
weather being so rough, the captain decided to put in
at the Falkland Isles. AH hands kept a good look
out, and when sighted, with a fair wind wc made
straight for the harbour. The sailor on look-out
.si outed, "Boat ahead!" It proved to be full of
PZnelish ^entlemen, who were coming to meet and
welcome us. We were very glad to reach any isles
belonging to Britain, for there we could wi'h pleasure
go on shore.

For four days we were entertained on a grand scale,
and many presents were given us.

The * jlands abound with wild horses, which I was
informed were killed for the .sake of their skins, which
were sent to Elngland, The population was not large,
and it was composed chiefly of fishermen. While
here our party shot a " kelp goose" and a robin, which

A Storm.

153

were preserved. As we were gliding out of the
harbour, the captain ordered the flag to be dipped
thrice in token of our nationality.

Once more we were gliding on the billows, with a
fair wind, direct for Cape Horn, The wind, however,
soon changed ; the sky became overcast. By these
signs we knew well that a storm would soon arise. It
at length came, and we were driven all sorts of ways.
The waves lashing each other, and the sea running
high, great fears were entertained thatwe should have to
put back to Stanley Harbour, which we had so recently
left ; but it pleased God to give us a few more days
of fair wind, whi n brought us to our desired haven —
Cape Horn. This did not give much pleasure, par-
ticularly to those who had been there before. I for
one knew by experience what Cape Horn was.

There was a clear blue sky, with every prospect of
having fine weather for a few days, at least ; but,
instead of this, it was only a few hours, for a breeze
sprang up v hich soon increased to a gale, tossing us
.0 and fro. It gave me to understand, as well as
others, that God could raise a storm when we expected
a calm ; and is it not so sometimes in the Christian's
journey home.''

The ship rolled and laboured very heavily, and the
sailors could scarcely stand. The 22nd of September
came in with still worse weather, and the sea raging
in awful grandeur. The captain, for the first time,
began to fear his ship could not live in such a storm.
He was an excellent seaman, and one who was gener-
ally as calm in a storm as in fair weather, studying
well what to do before acting. We could not stand

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Memoirs of a Lady Ntirsc.

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; A

in the cabin, though it was fitted up like a drawing-
room ; neither could we sit, except upon the floor,
and even then was compelled to hold to something
that was fastened to the deck. Everything on the
tables had to be removed, and when we sat down the
saucepans out of which we had to get our meals had
to be fastened to the deck. This kind of weather
lasted for several days, during which time the captain's
wife, who was enceinte, was taken ill. What to do I
knew not, as we were thrown from one side of the
cabin to the other as soon as we were upon our feet.
I, however, knew that the first thing to do was to fix
the lady in as good steady position as I could, and
begged of the Lord to help both mc and her. I
endeavoured, with the captain's assistance, and in as
gentle a manner as possible under the circumstances,
to fasten her to the couch, it being fast to the deck,
which was managed, though with some difficulty.
But something more had to be done. I could neither
stand nor sit but by fastening a rope to the bulkhead.
We hoped to remove the difficulty by the captain being
able to hold me while attending to his wife, but all
was in vain. Her appeals for help were constant ;
then, as if for the last struggle, the ship plunged and
pitched, and the mighty waters rolled over the deck,
darkening the cabin. I could keep silent no longer.
The prayer that had silently ascended now burst
forth, I pleaded past mercies and deliverances, and
inquired if I had been brought there to be put to
shame, or to perish. If He did not appear at once
and still the waves, natu.e must yield, and it may be
the poor patient would 'die. To His glory be it said,

A Calm.

155

in ten minutes the storm ceased its raging, and be-
came a calm ; the motion of the ship became steady,
and an infant was born.

We had a young man named Marsden, one of our
party, and who could not help making a remark on
the goodness of God. His words were as follows : —

"That morn the ship had rolled tremendously to and fro,
Yet at the eventful moment quite steadily did go,
It was as if God in pity liad looked from above,
And by controlling the waves showed Hi3 undying love! "

Many on board, though making no pretence to re-
ligion, could not help noticing the circumstance. The
sailors, some of whom had been on the sea many
years, declared they never saw the like before, fulfil-
ling the words of the Psalmist : " Thou, O Lord, hast
a mighty arm ; strong is Thy hand, and high is Thy
right hand. Thou rulest the raging of the sea : when
the waves thereof arise. Thou stillest them."

The storm now being completely lulled, the mother
and babe progressed favourably. The captain felt
the past circumstance deeply, and was much impressed
with the wonderful omnipresence of the Almighty.

We now proceeded to the island of Juan Fernandez,
made famous by Robin sort Crusoe. It is a lovely,
little island, of some twelve miles in width, and four
in length. Fish are abundant in the bay. There was
one palm-tree which stood alone upon the top of a
bold and rugged rock, which brought to my mind
some lines I once learned, —

•' Mid rocks, and sands and barrenness>
How beautiful to see
The wild palm in its desert dress,
The solitary tree !

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156 Manoirs of a Lady Nurse.

Alone amid the silent wild,
"riie boundless desert's favoured child,
In constant verdure dressed ;

An emblem of that faith that cheers
The pilgrim on his road fhruH^h Jii£t;'s
"^ ii^ijJ ^-l/j •} ^^^^ "^^^^ °^ cares and tears,

Beneath his earthly load."

The palm is a beautiful tree. We much admired
it from its peculiar shape, which resembled an um-
brella when opened, affording shelter from both sun
and rain.

We took leave of this pretty little place, and in
crossing the South Pacific Ocean we caught several
beautiful birds, of which I kept a few. In the dis-
tance we saw a large fish, which was throwing the
water up to a great height at intervals. It was soon
attracted by the sight of our ship, but, whether from
the novelty of the thing, or from a natural instinct it
possessed to follow in the wake of the ship to catch
the food which was occasionally thrown to the fishes,
I cannot say. It,_ however, came along, moving in a
majestic manner. Ail hands were on the look-out,
fearing it might come too close to be agreeable. On
it came, destitute of fear, and when near the ship gave
a roll over, which agitated the waters so much that it
gave the ship a tremendous shaking, and sent the
dinner flying in all directions, as well as some of us
who were seated very comfortably at the table, while
others were spotted with grease. Tlie monster re-
mained with us several hours, playing around the
ship, apparently regarding it as a toy sent for his
amusement. A stiff breeze springing up, we were

Catching a Shark.

157

soon enabled to leave this leviathan, which might
have proved a dangerous foe.

We were much interested in viewing the soaring of
the albatross. It is a fine large bird, and varies much
in size, some measuring from 8 to 12 feet from tip to
tip of each wing. We captured several by means of
a line and hook baited with a large piece of mutton-
fat, and found it not an easy matter to get them on
board, as they invariably endeavour to drown them-
selves by diving under water. We managed to get
one on board, and could not but admire its beauty
and form. Shortly after remaining on deck, it began
to vomit, and soon died. I wished much to preserve
it alive, to bring home as a curiosity. I, however,
kept its head and neck, which I still have. Another
interesting feature is watching the cunning and wily
movements of the ravenous shark. We captured two
large and three small ones ; the latter I preserved in
whisky and brought home. The pilot-fish to the
.shark is a very pretty little thing, and when swim-
ming near the surface shows brilliant colours.

It was very interesting to watch three of these little
creatures guide the great monster to the bait which
is thrown out to entrap it. Every sailor has a great
antipathy to the shark, and never rests if one is near
until it has been secured. This is effected by means
of a Urge piece of pork fastened on a hook. Some
of these creatures display a wonderful amount of
sagacity, as I have seen them eat all round the hook
and then depart. One day came a fine old fellow,
who seemed very stupid, for it took the little pilot
all his time, with two others, to make him understand

flllJUl |H.I.IIIWBIJIi.,|l|.I.I.WBMMW

m '■ i

\ip'i

Bf i.

158

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

where the bait was, which was efifected by jumping
upon his nose, the other two swimming by his side.

We all laughed, and was much amused to see how
quickly the little fellow sprang from the nose of the
shark as soon as it began to turn over, getting in
readiness to attack the bait. When the bait is swal-
lowed comes the deafening shout, " Haul in !" The
shark above-mentioned was caught, and took the
united strength of five men to haul it upon deck.

The stormy petrel, or, as the sailor's call them,
" Mother Carey's chickens," and the various kinds of
sea-gulls, invariably attract much attention.

CHAPTER XX.

Pleasures of a Voyage.— Bad Weather.— Sounding.— In Har-
bour.—Vancouver. — An Old Schoolfellow.— New West-
minster.— A "Grand" Hotel. — "Unprotected Females"
surprised. — A Sleigh Trip.— Hospitality.— Poisoners. —
"The Kent" and her Captain.— Making Good Use of
Rum.— Sailors.— Cherokee and their Jargon. — Vocabu-
lary.— A God bought. — False Teeth.

HE going down of the sun is a splendid sea-sight
and so is the rising of the moon. They must
be seen before their respective beauties and
grandeur can be known. They are gazed at and admired
by all who visit the South Pacific : O Lord, how mani-
fold are Thy works : in wisdom hast Thou made them
all: the sea is full of Thy riches ; Thou appointest the
moon for seasons ; the sun knoweth his going down.

Many are under the impression that it must be a
dull monotonous life at sea, but I can confidently assert
it is no such thing. A thousand objects are presented
to the eye, which not only call forth praise to the God
who made them, but also instruct the mind of man
while he beholds the wonders of the deep and of its
inhabitants.

During the voyage we encountered some dreadful
weather : the decks were several times covered with
snow, then frost set in, which at all times proves bad
for the sailors, causing them to meet with accidents.

=sssa»

i^ng

i6o

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

A few days would pass, when we were again on the
poop, with the sun directly overhead — so much so that
no shadow could be seen, while the rays of the sun
seemed almost hot enough to cook meat. A few more
days and the scene changes ; we are again amongst the
snow.

The captain now ordered the men to sound, an opera-
tion which is performed by fastening a line to a lead
pipe two feet long, into the end of which is pressed
some soap or grease, in order that if it touch any founda-
tion a portion will adhere, thus giving the captain
some idea of his whereabouts. After an examination
he discovered that land was near, and a short time
after we were sailing down a noble river. On each
side were forests of pine-trees, their tops covered with
snow ; now and then some small islands appeared.

We now reached the Esquimau It Harbour, and pass-
ing an English man-of-war, we gave them a salute,
which they returned in true English style. In a short
time we were once more in safety, riding at anchor.
The harbour was surrounded with much picturesque
scenery, which no one could behold without admiring,
the noble trees being covered in snow. There were
several highly-finished houses built close to the water,
and in the background stood a pretty little church,
a well-formed street, some good dwelling houses, and
two public houses ; several more houses were scattered
in different directions, making it appear quite a little
town. It may become a place of great importance,
and famous in the commercial world, if the Great
Pacific Railway should have its terminus there. The
harbour throughout has excellent anchorage for ships.

An Old Friend,

l6l

As soon as we had anchored, two English officers
came on board to congratulate us upon our safe
arrival, and also to transact some business with the
captain, who was just preparing to go on shore to
engage a carriage for his wife and myself to proceed
to Vancouver, which was about three miles distant.
The captain having friends on the island, they re-
ceived us very kindly. We remained about a month,
during which time a grand ball was given in honour
of the captain's marriage, and also the birth of his
first-born, who was now growing very fast.

A very pleasing incident occurred shortly after my
arrival at the island. One day I was transacting a
little business in the town, and happened to call at a
private house, to enquire the whereabouts of a mil-
liner, when, to my surprise, I recognized in the person
who opened the door an old school companion, whom
I had understood to have been dead for years.

I need not say how delighted we were to meet each
other in that far-off land.

The captain's wife and myself went on board a
steamer, and proceeded to New Westminster, British
Columbia, the captain and the rest of the party
proceeding by the ship. We arrived in the after part
of the day, and saw a great number of the natives.
Mountains of snow were on all sides. One of the
passengers took pity upon us (as we did not know
where to go), and offered to act as our guide to the
best hotel, which offer we gladly accepted. We had
taken the precaution to' have a good supply of every-
thing we were likely to need, but were given to
understand that all would be overlooked by the

162

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

custom house officers, who, to our surprise and
indignation, relieved us of everything but our wearing
apparel, considering they had conferred a great favour
by allowing us to retain that.

Our guide wished us to take a sleigh, but we
preferred walking over the snow, and arriving at the
Grp'id Hotel, which, to our amusement, we found
coubtructed of weather boards. The waiters were
French, speaking broken English, and there was not
a female in the place. However, on the whole we
were pretty comfortable.

One night during our stay we were much startled
by a sudden rap at the door of our bedroom. There
were no females in the house except ourselves, and I
began to suspect foul play. Another rap was given,
accompanied by a demand for admittance, by a
strange voice. After a short parley, our suspense
was relieved by the sound of a well-known voice, that
of the captain, whom we gladly allowed to enter.
He informed us that himself, with several others, had
run into Burred Inlet, which they had reached with
great difficulty and risk, in consequence of the preva-
lence of ice, wind and snow ; and, the weather not
changing, three of them went on shore, where they
met the gentleman who had proved himself so kind
to us on our arrival. On entering into conversation
with him, he made mention of two English ladies he
had conducted to the hotel. Upon hearing this, the
captain at once concluded that it was none other
than his wife and myself. He and his party imme-
diately resolved to travel through the snow, to see if
such were the case, and accordingly started off,

A SlcigJi Drive.

163

reaching us at night, 'and causing us a pleasant
surprise.

The next morning a sleigh was ordered for the
party, that we might have a better view of the
country in the interior, and when loaded with all
kinds of provisions, including half a bullock and a
quantity of milk, we started on our tour through the
regions of snow, which we all thoroughly enjoyed,
though snow was all around us. " The Lord giveth
snow like wool. He scattereth the hoarfrost like
ashes. He castcth forth his ice like morsels, and who
can stand before His cold. His power and wisdom
are infinite." Those who have travelled to the distant
parts of the earth, either to the frigiJ or torrid zones,
can enter more fully into the abounding love of God
to man, even in a temporal sense, as well as behold-
ing the display of His unlimited wisdom in the for-
mation of much inexpressible grandeur, which makes
the heart of the Christian to sing, " My Father made
them all."

Our horses were in excellent condition, and finely
decorated, including the usual accompaniment of bells.
We soon were travelling along a beautiful avenue,
which our guide informed us was nine miles straight
ahead, through a dense forest, the whole length being
completely arched over by the trees meeting each
other. We could not but admire its beauty, though
covered with snow ; but how much more so when the
sun shone forth in all its splendour, causing the great
variety of trees to reveal their beauty ; for here, as iij
many other parts of America where I have travelled,
it would have puzzled the admirer to detect the

i
\ - 1; I

164

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

different flowers, fruits, or leaves belonging to each
tree, as creeping and climbing plants attach them-
selves to the trunk of each tree, and mount the
summit a height of more than a hundred feet.

IMI

SCOMAX, CHIEF OP THE VICTORIA TKIBE, VANCOUVEXl S ISLAND.

There is in British Columbia forests a fine cone-
bearing tree, its height being over 300 feet. Many
of these forests are impenetrable, except either by
fire or the hatchet.

A Snow Dance.

165

As we passed under one of these immense arches
the creeping plaits had found their way through, and
were hanging down, the frost giving them the appear-
ance of a crystal candelabra.

All the people we saw were, like ourselves, well
wrapped in furs of various kinds. Proceeding along,
we came to a hut, into which we were allowed to enter
and refresh ourselves. We were much amused when
the native-looking man, though not a real native,
brought to us a frying-pan, large enough to cook ten
pounds of meat, and said, in a very generous manner,
" There, fry away for yourselves, and you can get
wood for your fire over yonder." The poor fellow,
withal, seemed very kind in his way, and rather
superior to some I saw after. Journeying on, we came
to another of these huts, standing in a thick forest ;
and here, again, the civilized traveller was made wel-
come to its humble comforts.

The Indian does not don his winter costume till
the snow dance has been performed, which, on their
part, is an entirely religious performance, and in which
all warriors take part. As each warrior reaches the
appointed place poles are placed in the ground, upon
which are placed the snow shoes and hunting accoutre-
ments, with such other decorations as they may have.
Each being dressed in fur trowsers, a general dance
round the poles is commenced, accompanied by the
beating of torn toms, and such other discordant yells
as each feels inclined to make. Dancing is kept up
till all fall asleep from sheer exhaustion.

During our stay there, some trappers, or police,
came up, with eleven men. handcuffed to a chain.

m".

I I

i66

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

which ran through the length of them. We were
informed they had been committing robbery and
murder, for which they were being marched to New
Westminister, for imprisonment

NOKTH AMERICAN WITH HIS SNOW SKOE8.

At no great distance from the above hut a descent
had been made to proceed by boats to the different
ships rid'.ig at anchor in the Burred Inlet. We
signalled ior a boat to come off, into which we were

A Welcome Salute.

167

were
y and

0 New

soon seated, and gliding over the blue waters. As
wl went along we passed an English ship belonging
to Liverpool, from whom we received a salute. On
arriving alongside the " Kent " we were received with
a hearty welcome by all on board.

NOUTH AMERICAN IN "WINTER DRESS.

escent
fferent
. We
e were

A few days afr/jr Captain D came on board

our ship and din* d with us. He was a most agree-
able gentleman, i.nd, in conversation after dinner, he
related an incident which I feel sure will not be out of
place, but instructive to my readers. He informed u3

1 68

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

,1 1

he had been higher up, trading for timber or lumber,
and experienced bad weather, through which he lost
one man by frost, he having been frozen to death.
The captain, fearing a sufficient quantity of grog had
not been served out, ordered a double allowance.
Several of the sailors instead of drinking it, bathed the
exposed parts of their body with the spirits, and all
who did so remained health3^ ! the frost had no
effect upon them. I trust this simple, yet highly bene-
ficial plan may be know by hundreds of our noble-
hearted sailors, who have to brave the intense cold of
those regions, and maybe induced to adopt the method,
convincing themselves of the benefit both to mind and
body. Only those who have seen and felt the cold of
the frigid zone, can imagine the dreadful hardships
which the sailors have to endure. I look back with
deep emotion to that noble and gallant officer, Sir John
Franklin, who with his band of brave fellows, endured
the keenest sufferings equally as much as those who
have died on the battle-field for their country. Often
have I been grieved for our sailors who have to face
perils and dangers most appalling, yet they have never
flinched from their duties, but greater the danger, tne
greater the courage displayed, proving themselves as
bold as lions, however turbulent the storm may be.

The old proverb, " Out of sight, out of mind,"
seems to hold good with regard to the sailors, for
in many places of worship the sailors are seluom
thought of in the prayers that are offered up, and
in this the ministers are not alone, for people gene-
rally manifest the same indifference. I trust soon
that oilr God will arise and cause a great feeling

Burred Inlet.

169

among the nations on behalf of the sailors, that there
may be a great and noble fleet of God-fearing men
floating on the mighty waters ; that every ship might
prove a missionary ship, all engaged in bearing forth
the glad tidings of God's great love to sinful man.

SUNBEAM, QfEEN OF THE VICTOllIA TKIBU, VANCOUVER ISLAND.

But to return. The inlet was surrounded with
gigantic hills, covered with lofty trees. There were
no buildings except a solitary hut, a lumber-mill
completed, and one in course of erection. Timber

170

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

being in great abundance, was cut down by lumber-
men for exportation.

We here appeared to be in the midst of a dense
forest, far away from the haunts of civilization. There
was a great number of .natives. It was several days
before I could prevail on the captain to put me
ashore, for I wished to wander forth in the pine-
grove, which still remained covered in snow, yet here
and there were to be seen some beautiful evergreens
towering above, and forming a sweet contrast to the
white carpet beneath.

The natives were of an olive color »-, very harmless
and kind, great lovers of coloured cioth, beads, and
ribbons. I was sorry to find that they knew but little
of the value of their souls. During my stay, I often
went on shore for the purpose of endeavouring to
teach them the love of the Saviour to sinners. Many
of them could speak a little English, so what with
the little I knew of their language, we got on very
well together, though a difficulty impeded fi'ee con-
versation, as each tribe spoke a different language,
of which I append a few words, called Chenook
jargon : —

let. .

. Cie

Moxt .

. Two

Cloon .

. Three

Larket

Four

Quonum

. Five

Sun .

. Day

Moon .

. . Month

Hyas .

. Large

Tenasse

, Small

Cloosh

. Good

Tuckum .

Six

Senhnoxt

Seven

Tutka .

I-ight

Quccts . .

Nine

Tatlum .

. Ten

Seeshak .

. Had

Nah-witka

Yes, or certainly

Wake . .

. No

Icta . . .

What

Ohook . .

This

Chcnook Jargon.

171

lumber-

a dense
, There
'al days
put me
le pine-
'^et here
Tgreens
t to the

armless
ids, and
iut little
I often
iring to
Many
lat with
on very
•ee con-
nguage,
^henook

r certainly

Coopa . .
Charco .
Clat-awar .
Kwan-seick.
Tik-kee . .
Turn-turn
Me-sarchec .
Man . . .
Clootch-man
Yacca

Nika . . .
Mika . . .

Pulten . .

Tyee . .

Sacullah . .

Kik-willer .

Sapo-tele

Mar-witch .

Mus-mus

Lem-to . .

King-George
man . .

Boston-man ,

Hy-you .

Kella-kella

Patch-latch

Is-cum

In or on

Come here

Go away

How many

Want

Intention

Dirty

Man

Woman

He or she

I or me

You

Foolish

Gentleman

High or up

Low or down

Bread

Deer

Cattle

Sheep

I Englishman

American
Plenty
Birds
Give
, Take

Cap-she-woUa Steal
Chick-ft-man Silver or metal

. Nothing

, No more

. None

. Stay

Cultus . .
Cuppet . ,
Halo . . .
Midlite . .
Al-kee . .
Timolidge .
Chuck - .
Muk-a-muk

Wait

Tub or cask

Water

Eat

Clar-boe-yar

O-lal-lee .
Po-lal-lee .
Canim . .
Ai sick .
Pell-pel . .
Tarcope
Quarss . .
Olo . . .

Hay-hay.

Mammook .

Mar-kook .

Hoy-hoy

Camox. . .

La-teto • .

Lee -man . .

Lar Pied . .

Moosum . .

Ten-asse-sun

Sit-cum-sun

Polikely .

Salutation at
mecLing or parting
Berries
Powder
Canoe
Paddle
Red blood
White
Afraid
Tired or hungry

Play

Make or work

Buy or sell

Exchange

Dog

Tl'.e head

The hands

The feet

Sleep
Morning
. Noon
. Night

Sitcum polikely Midnight

Ciia-aheve
Sitcum .
G'eese
Stick . .
lUa-hee .
Clar-o-ney
Salix . .
War-woo
Tap-so .
Syah . .
Anaty . .
Cum tax .
Too-toosh
Ti-karry .

All

Half

Grease or fat

Wood or trees

Land

About or near

Angry

Speech

Hair

Far away

Other

Understand

Milk

Don't care.

The accompanying engraving is a faithful sketch
of one of the most kind-hearted natives who in-

'if I

172

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

habit British Columbia. This old chief has been
the means of saving several English ships with their
crews, by giving a timely warning to them when it

CHIL-LI-C'AL-aETV, i'OLM'AlN (JJllJil', UKITI8H COLVMBIA.

was determined by the rest of the tribe to plunder
and murder the crew, and then sink the ships. For
these noble deeds, he was handsomely rewarded by

Buying a God.

173

as been
th their
when it

[A.

plunder
>s. For
rdcd by

our most gracious sovereign Queen Victoria, in the
shape of a silver staff.

The natives were very attentive when spoken to, no
matter what the subject might be, and I have reason
to believe that if the poor creatures were more thought
of by others beside missionaries they would excel us
in many ways, and would learn to know the true God.
With a great deal of bartering and trouble, I p 'r-
chased one of their gods ; it is about six inches long,
and made of bone, in the shape of the body of a man,
with head and face complete, but no legs, the arms
uplifted, but the hands hanging down. It is, on the
whole, a most clever piece of workmanship, as they
have no proper tool or instrument to work with. This
god or idol is worn suspended round the neck by a
string, composed of grass or other material. Great
care is taken of it, by wrapping it up in cloth, scarlet
being preferred. While negotiating for the one above-
mentioned, I ventured to offer two dollars to the chief,
but he would not part with it. I then adopted
another plan, having some small change, but not
amounting to two dollars ; this I held in one hand and
the two dollars in the other, offering him choice of
either. I felt much amused in watching with what
gravity he counted the pieces, finally deciding in
taking the most in number, though not in value.

The medicine man or doctor, is a personage of great
importance amongst the various tribes. .He pretends
to cure all and every disease to which the flesh i^ heir
to, but in many cases nature alone lends her aid, and
restores to health. It is extremely amusing to see
with what dignity and grace he would approach his

174

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

patient, and after a mystic incantation would ad-
minister a medicine in the shape of a draught out of
a bottle made of wood, and which resembled a bird,
the medicine appearing like the juice of tlie water-

MEDICING MAN, llAUCJ.At SMI^'NDt

melon, which did neither harm or good, only to those
who were suflfering from thirst. He is also head
supreme at all their amusements ; one favourite pas-
time with the North Americuu Indian is dancing, in

Indian Dance,

175

>uld ad-

t out of

a bird,

e water-

which he takes an active part, but like the more civi-
lized part of mankind, is moved to pity towards the
unfortunate members of the tribe, in which, during
war, have become widows or orphans, and never for-
getting the old people. The young men in the village
will turn out to have a dance in favour of these poor

SAPPULLUK. AND KILLACUM8 — NORTH AMEKICANS.

to those
50 head
rite pas-
icing, in

unfortunates ; they have no complicated assortment
of instruments, but simply a drum which the medicine
man beats with all his strength, the whole company
of dancers then advance towards the musician, bow,
and then recede, giving vent to dreadful shrieks and

176

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

cries, all turning their eyes upwards with dreadful
gcstulations. This is considered an act of prayer to
the Great Spirit on behalf of the sufferers. When
all the prayers or screcchings were concluded, the
medicine man went round to collect for the poor,
which all of that class being present received, in the
presence of their benefactors.

Wc prevailed upon one of the native females to

f'iii

si.'

pil

?' t

M i

SC0KY8LYANK, INDIAN MOTllKU AM) I'ArPOOSE.

come on board. To our surprise she made herself
very useful in washing, which in a short time she
accomplished with great dexterity. She was very
pleased when any one took notice of her while at
work. One day while busily engaged, we were talk-
ing to her, and the conversation turned upon the
quality of her teeth, for a more beautiful set than she

KiS r

Artificial Tath.

17:

had could not be boasted of by any one. Slic was
asked to take them out; she shook lier head, and said,
" Wake," meaning " no." One of the Ladies standing
by had a set of artificial teeth, and thinkinj^ it would
afford some amusement to the poor creature, we asked
the lady to take them out and show her. To our
surprise, instead of being amused, she .screamed
out, and would, had no one prevented her, have
jumped overboard. We could not with any amount
of persuasion prevail upon her to resume her work,
and the next morning our .ship was besieged by a
fleet of canoes, the natives being curious to see for
themselves this strange person, who had the power of
taking her teeth out, and who they considered was of
some kin to the Evil One.

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23 WEST MAIN STREET

WEBSTER, NY. 14580

(716) 872-4503

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,';■■»

CHAPTER XXI.

On Board the "Kknt. " — Home-bound. — Victoria.
Amkrican Indians; their Manners and Customs.

North

URING my stay, each day brought its allotted
portion of sorrow as well as joy. The captain,
it appeared, would have to remain there some
time, having made arrangements to take a ship-load of
lumber to " Mazet Land," a part of the world I had no
inclination to visit, my engagement having expired.
Captain Davis, whose ship was still lying in the inlet,
was about to start, and having expressed a wish to
return home, it was arranged for me to go with him.

" Borne with the breeze and winds as they sweep,
There comes a fond memory of home o'er the deep."

It was a parting that will not soon be forgotten. I
really felt myself halting between two opinions, yet
an impulse, which I could not resist, compelled me to
take farewell of all. The captain accompanied me to
the ship which I then hoped would be .the means of
taking me to my beloved land.

As we glided out of the inlet, we watched each other,
waving our handkerchiefs till the " Kent " receded
from my view. While sailing along I could but look
back, and ask myself, " Why have I left all with
whom I was so happy .-• How mysterious are the

c^ .

Homewara Bound.

179

ways of our God ! His paths are only known as He
pleases to reveal them to us."

Once more upon the billows, amidst wind, snow, and
rain, the vessel rolling and labouring heavily, I began
to fear that I had no business there, but like Jonah
should be made to know that where the Lord had
placed me I ought to be content and remain ; for I was
confident it was He who had sent me on board the
" Kent ;" but I wanted to feel the same now that I had
left it. I prayed that God would bless the weak en-
deavours that I had used to spread the truths of His
Word, and bring the poor natives to understand His
loving-kindness.

The storm increased, which brought to my mind the
following lines : —

" What though at times a rough wind blow.
The brealvers abound, the tide of joy run low ?
Think how sweet, when we gain the wished-for shore.
To repose on our Saviour's breast, and all our trials o'er.

And thus, dear Christian, though His face

On some blest few less veiled may shine.
The waiting soul, the babe in grace

Is not the less. Redeemer, Thine.

Weak though the barque, it sails with Thee,

Does of Thy fleet a part compose,
Associates with Thy company.

Thy convoy share. Thy colours show.

When o'er life's tempestuous tide

His cai;e has brought thee, then for thee "

A place of streams and rivers wide

The Lord, the glorious Lord, shall be."

I had a secret hope that the Lord would guide us
safely over the stormy ocean, though to all appearance

N 2

1 ^

.f.J

•>

^> y.

''',yi',

Victoria.

danger increased. The ship was loaded with lumber
or she would have laboured more, as she shipped sea
after sea. It was well that the captain was not a
stranger to these parts, but one who acted with great
forethought. He determined to run in for Esquimualt,
which through great skill on his part, and mercy of the
great Captain of the seas, we succeeded in reaching
with safety. It was a memorable night, and one that
will not soon be forgotten by those who were on board.
The anchor was, however, cast and the ship was in safety.
It was a late hour, and the captain prepared to go on
shore. I expressed a wish to be allo>ved to accompany
him, as 1 found he was going to Victoria. He acqui-
esced ; and having collected my baggage together,
which I decided to take at my own risk, we proceeded
on our way. Though the distance was only three miles,
we did not regret that it was so short ; for it was an
exceedingly dark night, and the rain poured in
torrents.

Arriving at Victoria, we found the inhabitants had
all retired to bed, with the exception of one or two
public houses, whose inmates were still up. It was no
use to endeavour to seek my friends at that late hour
of the night ; so, contenting myself, I engaged a bed-
room, which was exceedingly uncomfortable, as there
was not a spark of fire in the room, a thing I so par-
ticularly desired in my present dilemma; but, in justice
to the hostess, I must say that everything was very
clean. I passed a very restless night, and did not fail
to be an early riser when morning appeared. My
apparel still held the effects of my recent wet journey,
but, dressing as well as circumstances would allow, I

1 82

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

started ofif to try and find my friends, who wished me
to remain. It did not take me long to make up my
mind, and I informed the captain of my intentions.

CANE88ATBEGO, GREAT WAHKIOH, CLALLUM TllIllE, WASHINGTON

TEURITOKY.

Apartments were engaged, and once more I was abid-
ing in pleasant quarters.

Vancouver is a fine island, of whicli I will give a more
minute description as we pass on. Victoria is the chief

Victoria-

ifi3

ed me
ip my
itions.

ibid-

nore
:hief

town, and is well built. There are large government
buildings, churches, and chapels. I believe every de-
nomination but the Baptists is represented ; and I may
here remark that in the different parts of the world
which T have visited they were less in number than
any other. The anchorage is excellent, the wharves
are noble, and the streets are fine, with large and noble-
looking shops. One of these buildings was very inter-
esting, as in front of it was a sign," The London House."
It almost made me feel that I was not so many thou-
sands of miles away from old England. There was a
large gaol, from which the prisoners were marched
every day through the streets to repair the roads, where
necessary. They were manacled to each other, some
having heavy irons on one leg besides, and were well
guarded by police. Adjacent to the wharf stands the
extensive buildings belonging to the Hudson Bay Com-
pany, who send many ships and steamers up to the
north, where a prolific trade for furs is carried on with
the Indians, who know not the real worth of the furs
and other articles which they have secured by hunting
in the backwoods and forests.

Most of the various tribes have horses and fire-arms,
but each tribe is so different that a description is not
an easy task. The Sarcees are the greatest warriors,
under whose war spears and strong arm the weaker
tribes have to submit.

On the opposite side of the bay to the town of
Victoria is an Indian village, to which I paid a visit,
going across the bay in a canoe. It is a very fine bay
with beautiful scenery ; all around there are the snow-
capped mountains in the Washington territories, and

iS4

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

which looked like mountains of crystal when the sun
shone upon them. One mountain on the Colombia
side, called " Mountain Baker," threw up forked and
sulphureous flames, which I watched with great interest.

IIYAS CLOSE, CHUCK MAN, MKDUINK MAN 01' THE C]!EROKEK TRUtB,

NOKTH AMEllICA.

On arriving at the village, the first object that caught
my vision vas a subslantially-built Catholic school,
with a good house for the master. There was a great
number of Indians, male and female, and a large pro-
portion of children. Many of the squaws, or females,

North American Indians.

185

wore broad bands of silver round their arms, some
had as many as three on each arm. Similar bands
were worn on the ankles of a few; earrings and nose-
jewels were in profusion — so much so that I doubted
their geniuneness, but, upon examination and inquiry,
I was informed that they would wear nothing but sil-

WIFE OF IIYAS CLOSE.

ver or gold. Their huts were constructed in a very
rough manner, and did not look very enticing, having
the earth for a flooring, the fire in the centre, and a
hole in the roof for the escape of smoke, which I saw
went rather by way of the door than through its
appointed place. There were no chairs or tables: many

I ;

1 86

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

were seated on their fur rugs around the fire. In the
huts were hanging up various kinds of skins, birds, and
feathers. None of the natives looked very clean, yet
^fX^ many had an intelligent-looking face.

The^day had far advanced, and I returned to the
canoe, deeply interested with my first visit to the native
village. Crossing the bay, my heart welled up, and

" I thanked the goodness and the love
That on my birth liad smiled,
And made me in my infant days
A happy English child."

The next morning I went my accustomed ramble,
but in a different direction from any I had previously
gone. I passed several native huts, and in one I heard
voices singing, which made me curious to know
what it was that they were singing ; so going up to the
door, I gave a gentle rap, when an old black woman
•opened it, and welcomed me in to join them ; and to
my surprise there were fourteen little girls, and they
too were all black, who had met in that poor old mud
hut to read the Bible, sing, and pray. I could not for-
bear shedding tears of joy to see and hear these poor
black children praising the Lord. What great good,
under the blessings of God, the dear children may have
been is not for us to know ; but we do know that God
has said, "My word shall not return unto me void." I
promised them each a bit, or sixpence, if they would
repeat to me the 23rd Psalm when we met again.
Upon inquiry I was informed they all belonged to
Sunday schools. Neither the little ones nor yet myself
forgot the next day of meeting. They were all in time,
and appeared higiily delighted. I was very agreeably

Indian Prayer Meeting:

187

disappointed, for I found that they were all entitled to
the promised reward. Their little hearts and eyes were
filled with joy as they each repeated the Psalm. When
each had received her bit, one little girl, .sharper than
the rest, proposed to make a collection for poor old
Jem for the use of the hut. Tiie suggestion was
unanimously carried out. The poor old lady gave

■

8EYLAMIAHYQ AND I'Al'l'OOSE, NOllTH AMEUICANS.

me to understand that for a long time they had met
twice a week. Do not these black children set an
example to the Sunday-school children of England ?
I have seen many black and coloured children, but I
never saw one tease or be unkind to the sick or old
people. Some of my readers may not have had the
opportunity of perusing the work of that good and

1 88

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse,

noble advocate for the North- American Indians —
Mr. James Buchanan. Thanks to the united efforts
of American government and the powerful agency of
the English press, these sons and daughters of th*.
wilds of America are now cared for. Thousands are

WINGEMNI), MESHAC, SAKIA, HKI.O.NCilNU TO KIDUYE C'AXIN S TllIHE.

now enjoying that freedom of social life which at the
time Buchanan took up his pen to vindicate their
':ause they were denied.

The Indians are greatly attached to their offspring.
I fully determined to procure a young deserted infant

Their Education.

189

,ns —
[Torts
cy of
"'th-
5 are

HIE.

the
leir

ing.
"ant

if such could be found, wlioni I would liave adopted
and educated as my own. My plan was frustrated,
as no emolument or hope of advancement would
induce any native to part with his child.

The manner of their education is described by the
missionary Hecklewclder, who says: "The first
thing taught them is that thi.y arc indebted for their
existence to a great, good, and benevolent Spirit,

WIVES OF KIUDYE CAMM, liUllllNO Clllfcl' Ol' ti-lNQUOT SOUND.

who not only has given them life, but lias ordained
them for certain great purposes ; that this great
Spirit looks down upon the Indians, and by one of
his inferior spirits he has also sent down to them
corn, pumpkins, squashes, beans, and other vege-
tables. When the first and most important lesson is
thought to be impressed upon the children's minds,
the parents next proceed to make them s( nsible of
the distinction between good and evil — that good acts

190

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

i '

are pleasing to the good Spirit. All that is bad
proceeds from the bad spirit, who has given them
nothing, and who cannot give them anything good,
because it has it not : this the parents teach in their
own way. When this instruction is given, it must
not be supposed that it is done in a haughty and
authoritative manner, but, on the contrary, in a gentle
and persuasive manner. The parents' authority, too,
is never supported by harsh or compulsive means ;
no whips or threats, no punishment is ever used to
enforce commands or compel obedience. A father
has only to say in the presence of his children, "I
want such a thing done ; let me see who is the good
child that will do it." This word " good " operates like
magic, and the children vie with each other in the
performance of the task wished by the parent. In this
manner of bringing up the children, the parents are
seconded by the whole community. If a child is
sent with a dish of food to an aged person, all in the
house will join in calling him a good child. If a child
is seen leading an old and decrepit person, all in its
hearing call on orte another to look and see what a
good child that must be. It would be well if some of
our English mothers would follow the plan adopted
by the Indian in the training and nurture of their
children."

The squaw has a very novel manner of keeping
her baby quiet. When going to work, she takes
with her a long pole, rather stout at one end, which
she makes fast in the ground. The cradle, which
is made of bark or grass, is made fast to the top
of the pole, which is much thinner than the bottom.

Burial Ground.

191

Placing her baby in the cradle, and securing it from
falling out, she gives the pole a touch, which sets it in
motion, the cradle and child afterwards keeping it con-
stantly swaying to and fro, similar to a jumping chair,
and thus the Indian mother keeps her infant amused.

I have seen a practice by some Indians of fasten-
ing the child's head between two pieces of bark, to
make it as flat as possible.

They all believe in one great Spirit. In conversation
with some I found that they believed that their heaven
would C(5nsist of good huntinr.-grovmds, good things to
eat, and rich clothes to wear One poor old woman told
me that when they went to heaven they would have
" plenty fish, plenty deer, plenty red cloth, plenty good
hunting-grounds." All this comprised their heaven. I
endeavoured to my utmost to point out the Saviour
to her, ana through Him heaven would be very dif-
ferent from what she described or thought of They
are very pleased to have notice taken of them. It
seems to calm down that enmity which sometimes
rises in their minds.

Our engraving presents a faithful view of an Indian
burial-ground, and seems to bear a touch of the ludi-
crous in its aspect. The Indian has an innate genius
for carving and cutting images for everything that he
wishes to remember. In the accompanying engraving,
two figures stand out with marked prominence, and
would readily be taken for scarecrows, to deter the
birds of the air from endeavouring to reach the de-
parted one. This, however, is not so. The two figures
are intended for gravestones, the tomb being in the
centre. It is the custom if the husband die first for

;S!

192

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

I i

t i

the widow to sit by his grave till the body is supposed
to have become decomposed ; the bones are then
taken up and burnt, after which process the widow
gathers up the remains carefully, putting them into
a little bag or basket, which she has made during the
time she has sat by the grave of her husband. She
is not permitted to leave the grave on any occasion,

INUIAN ULlllAL OKOUNU.

and all her food is taken to her, till the body is burnt,
after which she is at liberty to go where she likes.

In visiting them, they showed me every kindness,
never molesting mc, although I went alone. They
do not confine their acts of kindness to free white
people alone, but extend it to their prisoners.

supposed
are then
le widow
hem into
jring the
id. She
occasion,

\v\

s burnt,
kcs.

indness,
They
e white

CHAPTER XXII.

TOUCHING Narrative. — The Duty of Christians.— Mis-
sionary Work. — Cariboo.— A Passenger Poet. — Employed
Again.— An Indian Village.— Squaws.— The Chinese.—
Catching Teal.

HE following incident, which occurred during
the American war, will illustrate this fact.
A white woman having been taken prisoner,
the Indian chief saw, after a fev/ days' march, that she
was ailing, and was soon convinced that s'""^ was far
advanced in pregnancy. He immediately made a
halt on the bank of a stream, where, at a proper dis-
tance from the camp, he built a hut of bark for her,
and gathered dry grass and fern to make her a bed,
and placed a blanket at the doorway of the tent as a
substitute for a door. He then kindled a fire, and
placed a kettle of water at hand, that she might easily
use it. He then took her into the little infirmary,
gave her Indian medicine, with instructions how to
use them, and told her to rest easy, as nothing should
disturb her. Having done this, he returned to his
men, ibrbidding them to make a noise, telling them
that he himself would guard her the whole night,
which he did, keeping watch befor;^ her door, walking
backwards and forwards, to be ready at her call at

t '

I-

194

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

any moment. The night passed tranquilly, but in
the morning, as he was walking along the bank of the
stream, seeing him through the crevices, she called to
him, and presented her babe. The good chief, with
tears in his eyes, was rejoiced at her safe delivery,
and told her not to be uneasy, for he would lay by or
halt for a few days, and would soon bring her some
nutritious food. Then, going to the encampment, he
ordered all his men to go out hunting for her, while
he remained himself to guard the camp. Forgive me,
reader, if I for a moment disturb the harmony of my
extract. There is nothing that I know within the
whole range of anecdotal history more affecting than
the present narration. How exalted was the humanity
of the Indian chief.-' How refined the delicacy.-' How
tender and watchful his care .-* We see through the
darkness of the night the dusky warrior walking
anxiously backward and forward before the little hut
cf bark — the little infirmary of the invalid woman —
and in the pale dawn of the morning behold her in a
state o" tter exhaustion pointing to her babe. De-
livered in the wilderness — in the darkness and soli-
tude. Yet she was not without support, for over and
above the secret aid which came from God, see, she
meets with sympathy in a wild man — a stranger, a
warrior — who melts into tears. But to resume :
Amongst the men whom the chief had with him was
a white man. The chief was much afraid of him,
knowing him to be a bad man, but as he had ex-
pressed a desire to go hunting with the rest, he be-
lieved him gone, and thus entertained no fears as to
the woman's safety. It was not long, however, before

T^oiiching 1 farratlve.

'95

, but in
ik of the
called to
lief, with
delivery,
ay by or
ler some
ment, he
ler, while
rgive me,
ly of my
ithin the
ing than
lumanity
\/ ? How
Dugh the
walking
little hut
voman —
her in a
be. De-
and soli-
Dver and
see, she
•anger, a
resume :
him was
of him,
had ex-
it, he be-
ars as to
r, before

he was undeceived, for while he had gone a short
distance to dig roots for his patient, he heard her
cries of distress, and hastening to her hut, was in-
formed by her that the white man had threatened to
take her life, unless she threw the child into the river.
The chief was so enraged with the cruelty of the man ,
and the liberty he had taken with the poor prisoner,
that he hailed him as he was running away, and in-
formed him that the moment he should miss the babe
the tomahawk should be buried in his brains. After
a few days, the chief placed the woman carefully on a
horse, and they went together to the place of their
destination, both mother and infant doing well.

Could any Christian have acted with greater sym-
pathy to any sufferer } I believe there are amongst
them thousands who are washed in the Redeemer's
blood, and with Watts would say : —

" How sweet to think, that all who love
The Saviour's pr.icious name,
Who look by faith to Him above

And own His gentle claim.
Though severed wide by land or sea,
Are members of one family !

Christians who dwell on snow-clad giound,
Or on the burning strand,
And those whose happy home is found
In our fair and peaceful land,
Are linked by more than earthly tie,
And form one lovely family."

I trust that every Christian will feel an interest in
these poor outcasts, yet otherwise noble-minded
aborigines. It is a solemn fact, that there and in
other parts of the world much vice and wickedness
has been caused by the white man, through the intro-

O 2

>l f

196

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

duction of spirituous liquors, and which some of the
natives term " fire-water," while others call it " beson."
A North American Indian once asked a missionary if
the white man drank of the same liquor that they gave
to the Indians, and did they also, when drunk, kill

*• KO()U>I,:.M, .NATlVli MIMSTKll AT NAMMO.

people, and bite noses off, as the Indians do, and who
taught the white people to make so pernicious a
beson ? The missionary answered the Indian in the
best manner he could. The Indian replied, " The bad
spirit must have some hand in it, for the devil is not
the Indian's friend, because they will not worship him
as they do the Good Spirit, and therefore I believe he

Missionary Work.

197

ne of the
" beson."
sionary if
they gave
runk, kill

and who
nicious a
.n in the
' The bad
ivil is not
rship him
jclieve he

puts something into the beson, and henceforth shall he
never again deceive or entice me to drink his beson."
I rejoice that I have seen and heard of the indefati-
gable and persevering labours of the missionaries
in different parts of the world, especially in North
America ; for truly the harvest is great, but the
labourers are few, but though small in numbers, they
have, under God's blessing, been the means of pro-
mulgating the Gospel in different languages. There
is yet a great work for them to do. Tet us who
desire the extension of the Redeemer's Kingdom en-
deavour by prayer to hold up their hands. There is
a great want of more encouragement, and far more
support, being given to those of ( >ur fellow men who are
labouring for the good of souls in the dark parts
of the earth, — men who are struggling against super-
stition and idolatry, but who have by God been
enabled to unfurl the blood-stained banner of the
Cross, using every means in their power, in the earnest
hope that thousands of the Red Indians may be led
by the Spirit of God to search the Scriptures, rejoicing
that they have in their midst shining that great and
glorious light and star of magnitude, the Bible. I
trust the time may not be far distant when every son
and daughter of the wilderness will be able to read
the Bible in their native tongue, and cast their idols
to the moles and bats.

Early in June of the present year (1872), a ship
through rough weather and contrary winds was driven
too close to the shores of Claroyot, and though
every exertion was made by the captain to save the
ship, she became a wreck. Some of the crew met a

i! !

198

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

watery grave, and it would have been well for the
captain's wife and family if they too had met the same
fate, for they would then have been saved from a more
horrible death. She, with her two children and their
nurse, were cast upon the shore, and met death in its

aVKEN MHEM AND KIDDYB CANIM, OKEAT FIGHTING CHIEFS, CLAROYOT

8UVND.

Jil

most agonising form at the hands of this cruel chief,
Kiddye Canim and his slaves. The mother, nurse,
and one child having been brutally butchered, were
cut up and divided to be eaten. Campbell, the cap-
tain, escaped to Beechy Bay, but was shot by Meshac,
one of Kiddye's slaves. When the sad news reached

Group of Cannibals,

199

for the
he same

a more
nd their
th in its

XASOYOT

:1 chief,
nurse,
1, were
le cap-
/leshac,
cached

Vancouver's Island, it caused great gloom amongst
the inhabitants of Victoria. An expedition was im-
mediately set on foot for the purpose of tracing out
the murderers, and in which search, one of Her
Majesty's flying squadron, which was then cruising

KIDUYE CANIM AND SOME OP HIS SLAVES, CLAROYOT SOUND INDIANS.

about, took part. The Governor of the island, took
an active part, but, to the great grief of all, he too fell
a victim. One of the slaves (Meshac) was taken pri-
soner, tried, and condemned to be hung, but during
the interval between the trial and the day appointed
for the execution he died in jail.

Ill

200

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

The natives of Vancouver are a strong and well-
built race of men. Captain Gordon, when he visited
the island, was astonished at their industrious and
friendly manner. When they were given to under-
stand that he wanted coal, they became very active,
and surprised him by their procuring, with rude imple-
ments of hatchets and wedges, a large quantity of
coal.

The town of Victoria receives great benefit from
the Cariboo diggings. Many of the diggers call
there on their way up to purchase goods, and if
fortunate in their calling return and spend their
money in the town. To some parts of the field it was
but a short run up.

In proceeding from Cariboo to reach the various
gold-fields around, the traveller has to pass great
precipices, which stand out with awful and imposing
grandeur. Some of the rocks of which they are
composed are several hundred feet in height, some
of them affording excellent grazing for cattle, who
in winter often hide themselves in the crevices in the
sides. The scenery around is one of imposing gran-
deur, tall pine and fir-trees stretch their towering
heads to the firmament above, while thr many rills
and rivulets add the music of their waters, lending
an additional charm. The scenery throughout is
almost past description with the pen. In the en-
graving before my readers may be seen a waggon
which is returning laden from the gold-fields, and
showing the mode of transit to and fro.

In leaving the steamer the digger had many miles
to travel by land, over blufis, through valleys, across

202

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

mountains. Many hardships had to be endured by
them ; yet the digger will face any danger when the
cry of gold is heard, which may be seen by the fact
that one steamer shipped i,200 passengers who left
New York, the majority as adventurers to the far-
famed Cariboo. The ship started with very unfavour-
able weather, as will be seen by the following verses,
composed by one of the passengers while on the way,
and also present to the reader an illustration of the
different scenery, of which a full detail will be
given : —

" The sky was dark when we did embark, the rain poured down a storm :
The passengers all went below with looks of wild alarm.
And some were sick, too weak to speak, and most their trip did rue,
As we sailed away from New York bay, all bound for Cariboo.

The days wore on, as one by one the ladies came on deck.
With pallid face devoid of grace, and crinoline a wreck.
And many a cry now rent the sky, from loving hearts and true.
Who grieved the fate that called too late to turn from Cariboo.

On the 8th of May we made the bay surrounding Aspinwall,

And soon our feet were on the street, whefe things looked queer and

droU.
And many a sight we saw that night, surprisuig strange and new :
We shall ne'er forget the scenes we met on our way to Cariboo.

At early dawn we rose next mom to travel o'er the land,
Past hamlets rude and people nude, 'hrough hills and forests grand.
Till Panama's old towers we saw, ant I'er its waters blue
Where we joined the " Aziba," which .vas bound for Cariboo.

At four P.M. the gun was fired, the wheels began to move.

And hearts beat high with hope and joy, as through the waves we clove.

On the 17th of May we came to Acapulco bay —

To go on shore and to take in stores, to help us on our way.

At six o'clock, groves, hills, and rocks receded from our view,

As we sailed away, at close of day, still bound for Cariboo.

Passenger Poet.

203

jrand,

swe clove.

'Twixt Rosa Inle and Santa Cruz we sailed with hearts elate,

Past mountains grand, which fringed the strand, and through the

Golden Gate,
Till on the land, once more we stand, and bid cur friends adieu,
And bless the Lord we are thus far on our way to Cariboo.

Still up the coast we'll steer our course, a free and joyful band,
And strain our eyes o'er seas and skies, to catch the distant strand ;
And may our God still guide us through, to the land we are going to !
And with success our labours bless, when we get to Caribo>

Returning to Victoria, I resolved to settle down,
having very comfortable apartments. The landlady,
with myself, was always ready and willing to visit the
sick and feeble, and a warm advocate of temperance
principles.

It having come to the knowledge of the Captain
of the " Kent," that I was residing at Vancouver, and
not knowing but that I was following my profes-
sion, to promote my interest, sent an article to the
Victoria newspaper, stating my qualifications. The
daughter of an English nobleman reading it, sent me
an invitation to visit her ; but having previously had
an invitation from Governor Kennedy and his lady,
which I had accepted, I did not go for a few days.

The lady, with her family, resided about three miles
from the town ; but, appointing a day, a carriage was
sent to fetch me. In conversation with her, I found
that she desired me to remain with her during her
accouchment, and ultimately to travel with her. I
acceded to her wishes, and after abiding with them a
short time I felt quite content. Here I could roam
in the midst of wild flowers of every hue and colour.
The park-like grounds were covered with wild straw-
berries, of which I gathered in abundance every day.

204

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

"i I

It was, indeed, a lovely spot. After watching the
movements of the pretty little humming birds, I
would go to the Indian village, which was only a short
distance. The natives all appeared to dwell in
harmony : I never heard squaw and husband dis-
agreeing, and the following observations on marriage
by an aged Indian, v/ho for many years had spent
much of his time among white people, and had

SYMGVIMAl T> AND Wll E, CHAMOIS INDIANS.

observed their ways, and in the end came to the con-
clusion that the Indian had not only a more easy way
of getting a wife, but also more certain way of get-
ting a good one, " For," said he, in his broken English
" white man court-court — may be one whole year, —
may be two years, before he marry. Well, may be
got very good wife — but may be not — may be very
cross. Well now, suppose cross, scold as soon as get

Indian Courtship.

205

awake in the morning, scold all day, scold until
sleep — all one, he must keep him. White people
have law forbidding throw away wife, be ever so
cross, must keep him always. Well, how does Indian
do ? Indian, when he see industrious squaw, which
he like, he go to him, place his two fingers close

CLALASSLON AND KLASSONK, NOKTH AMERICANS, — HUSBAND AND WIFE,
— IN THE ATTITUDE OP WOKSHIPPING THE GREAT SPIRIT.

beside each other, make two look like one — look
squaw in the face, see him smile, which is all one.
He says yes. So he take him home, no danger he
be cross. No,, no. Squaw know *"oo well what
Indian do if he cross — throw him away and take
another. Squaw love to eat meat. No husband, no

206

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

meat. Squaw do everything to please husband, he
do the same to please squaw — live happy."

Now and then we rode into the forest, and viewed
the beauty of the splendid island, with its bold and
rugged rocks, groves, and deep ravines, all made by
God to feast the eyes, and rejoice the hearts of His
creatures.

We found that Chinamen were employed here at
washing, and digging for gold, as much as in other
parts of the world. They are excellent at washing
and mending, for if you sent John any article with a
hole in it, he will, if possible, try to repair it by cut-
ting a piece off some other part of the garment, and he
then, by gum or any other scheme, will present it as
being fairly mended ; and it was a puzzle to find where
the torn part had existed until the article was pi't
into water, when John's assistance was again re-
quired.

I watched the natives catching the little teal with
great interest, their skins being largely used by the
ladies as an ornament. The price there varies accord-
ing to size, from is. to 2s. 6d. each, if selling a single
one. The native displays great cunning and wisdom
in their mode of securing them. He would first fill
his canoe with branches of evergreens, fixing them so
cleverly that all stood upright, having the appearance
of a floating plantation. His wife and himself then
got in the boat, the wife taking charge and gliding it
gently into the water, while her husband puts out his
hand close down by the side of the boat, catching hold
of the poor little creature's legs, instantly drawing it
into the bont, and giving it no time to make a noise.

I i

Catching Teal,

207

Thus he would go on ioi hours, and sometimes make
quite a harvest. •

There was a kind of a tree which was very pretty,
and on which something grew resembling moss, hang-

SKCELhliCIA, Wli'E 01' SCOMAX, ClUKF Ol' NANIMO, AND TWO
WAITING-MAIDS.

ing very long and floating in the breeze. It was of a
light brown colour. The natives gather and boil it
as a vegetable to eat with fish, which is abundant.
Salmon in particular is plentiful and cheap.

.r-

k >

208

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

A more beautiful spot we could not have had to
dwell in, being on a small isthmus. The pretty little
town of Esquimault lay in front across the blue waters,
with here and there a picturesque little island, sur-
rounded with rocks, which stood out in bold relief,
delightful to behold by moonlight.

I was truly sorry when this pretty and quiet spot
had to be left for the turbulent sea.

) .

CHAPTER XXIII.

A LONG Voyage. — A friendly Bird. — Ship's flags. —Flying-
fish. — San Francisco. — "The Golden Age." — Delightful
Scenery. — Panama.

r may not be altogether uninteresting to my
young readers, especially those who are,
perhaps, in anticipation of some day start-
ing on a long sea voyage, to inform them that the
monotony is often relieved by the captain, well-
disciplined crew, and agreeable fellow-passengers.
All is happy and comfortable when such is the case.
It is a rare occurrence that the sailors or officers are
unkind to their passengers. Quite the reverse. Some
days the eyes may search in vain for an object of
interest, yet at another time attention is beguiled by
a sail (or ship), or by a waterspout, which is like a
dark cloud in different shapes, and very black. Great
care is exercised by the captain to shun a waterspout
as much as possible, as it contains many tons of water,
which, if falling on the ship, would sink her, for the ocean
sprays rise like the smoke of a thousand furnaces be-
neath its touch. Then sometimes, through great
fatigue, sea-birds light on the deck, apparently desti-
tute of fear, allowing themselves to be caressed. At
other times, the pretty little bird of passage alights

r-^si

l^\i

210

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

upon the rigging for the night, sometimes venturing
down to be fed, and after resting awhile takes a long
farewell, flying onwards. It has no compass to guide
the way, no sailors to help it, and no such assistance
does it require.

" Man goes by art to foreign lands,
With shipwreck and decay ;
Birds go with Nature for their guide,
And God directs their way."

One morning, during a long voyage, we had pro-
ceeded many miles, when a very large bird alighted
upon the deck, and began to march about quite at
home. Of course, we all had a good look at it, and
we discovered that it had a log of wood, about four
inches square, tied round its neck. The log recorded
the names of three different vessels which it had visited,
with the date of month and year. It remained seve-
ral hours, during which time one of our officers cut
the name of our ship, with date, &c., upon the little
piece of wood. It had an excellent dinner, which it
seemed to enjoy much. After a short time it was
lifted up, when off it flew in a majestic manner, to
cheer more hearts on some other ship. Then the
otherwise tedious hours may be beguiled by filling
up your memorandum-book, or, as the sailor's phrase
it, keeping your log.

In a long voyage one passes through different scenes,
which tend to improve tJie mind as much as the sea
air will improve the health.

It is most interesting to all travellers by sea to
watch a number of flags which are brought up from
the hold of the vessel. The officers will be glad if

ing Fish.

2ir

itunng
a long
> guide
[stance

id pro-
lighted
^uite at
it, and
)ut four
^corded
visited,
id seve-
;ers cut
le little
vhich it

it was
nner, to
len the
y filling

phrase

; scenes,
the sea

r sea to
jp from
glad if

you assist in arranging them for holding conversation
with other ships that have becu al-jhtcd, and which
appear to be bearing down on them. Sometimes they
will have good news, at other times it will be, "We
want water. Our ship has been on fire." If possible,
the desired help is given. Now and then the sailors
get leave to hang at night a lamp just above
the deck, to entice the flying-fish, which, on seeing
the light, dashes itself against it, and falls on to the
deck. The sailor pick them up, and preserves them
until morning, when he enjoys them for his breakfast.
Then comes the dolphin, leaping and playing around
the ship, with a thousand other sea creatures. Then
last, but not least, the Bible can be consulted, when you
can contrast your voyage with that of One who was
in a little ship fast asleep v/hen a storm arose. Read
what He did. Continue your search, and you will
find an account of one thf.t was shipwrecked upon a
little island. But whether you may be on sea or land,
objects never fail to present themselves that will either
cheer or improve the mind.

Taking leave of all our kind friends, we went on
board one of the Hudson Bay Company steamers,
on our way to San Francisco, and rough weather
destroyed the otherwise pleasant trip. We had a
black steward and stewardess, with cramped up little
cabins. The waiters, the beds and blankets — in short,
everything — wore the appearance of black. Fortu-
nately for us, the cabins were in darkness, so every-
thing corresponded. Many seemed terrified at the
rough weather, and the knowledge that one steamer
a few days before had been lost added no little to

P 2

212

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

•1

V '

?■

i! •

^ ^ .

i.h

fl i

their fears. I was glad to find that all our party were
wonderfully well and cheerful.

In nearing San Francisco, all hands were on the
look-out, and what commotion existed when the
anchor went down ! Men coming on board like a
swarm, of bees, each having a large ticket on his hat,
which gave a description of the hotel or dining-room
to which he belonged. As a natural consequence,
all luggage had to be sharply looked after. The
encountering of the Custom-house officers, with the
incessant chatter of the men getting out the luggage,
is almost enough to make an inexperienced person
sick of travelling.

After having shown what was required to be seen
by the officers, we started to our lodgings, which were of
the best description, and fitted up in an excellent style,
everything being clean in every sense of the term.
The dining-room was of an immense size, with a num-
ber of tables. The waiters were in full-dress livery.

San Francisco is a beautiful town, with shops similar
to those in England, also churches and chapels with
schools attached. The bay is a splendid piece of water,
and an English gentleman informed me that it was
large enough to hold all our English vessels. It is
surrounded with low sand hills and scrub, which does
not add to its beauty. Gold and other precious metals
have been found in California, which has caused San
Francisco to become a large and wealthy city. A great
shipping trade is carried on, and steamers run from
there to all parts of the known world.

We left our abode, and were on our way to the
steamer and glad to find that the ordeal of custom

TIic Golden Gate.

officers was omitted. Great numbers were going
down, and at the entrance there was quite a market,
for every want could be supplied. We bought some
chairs, whicli proved quite a luxury on board.

The " Golden Age " was a splendid steamer, carry-
ing from four to five hundred passengers. The anchor
was weighed, and we were soon dashing through the
waters. The captain was excellent in ipaintaining
order, and indeed in everything else that required his
supervision. The gong sounded for every meal, when
all who could attend were expected to appear, and in
order too. The tables were very long, so that a good
number could be seated at one time. At one end of
the saloon was a raised dais for the chief steward to
stand upon to enable him to see all down the tables,
there being two rows, and on one side of each table
stood a number of stewards in uniform. When the
chief one rang a bell every dish was placed on the
tables in an instant, each course being removed and re-
placed in the same manner, not a man moving only to
pass the dishes on, as a line of stewards was formed
to the pantry.

The scenery as we passed along was delightful. As
we sailed through Rosa Isle and Santa Cruz, the
mountains displayed great grandeur. On our way we
sailed through the Golden Gate, where we saw the re-
mains of a steamer that had foundered, of which men-
tion has been made. We tacked and ran into the
harbour of Acapulco, where we saw beauties of which
but a faint description can be given, for they must be
seen to be fully realised. The feathery palm towered
its head up to the skies, with spices of every descrip-

214

Mcvwirs of a Lady Nurse.

tion, lime trees, the fruit of which was something like
a small orange ; here and there were little plots of green
grass, with large but low-spreading trees. The moun-
tains were covered with flowers, with which Mexico
abounds. They were of every hue, reminding us of the
majesty of that Being who made them to afford pleasure
to His creatures. One tree, which was standing on the
slope of a very high hill, had, if possible, more admirers
than any other object of beauty. It was near loofeet
in height, and we were informed belonged to the cactus
species. It was covered from the bottom to the top
with flowers as large as a tea-plate. We all wished
it could be transplanted to our own shores, and there
flourish as well as in its own native land.

I had many times when in Australia seen high hedges
of the cactus, but never so well shaped and with such
beautiful flowers.

In the midst of all this grandeur and beauty stood
a Government house, with a store close by, and several
native huts. The natives quickly surrounded the ship,
ofiering for sale various kinds of ornaments, made with
shells. Like the natives at Honolular, in'the Sandwich
Islands, they were excellent divers. Several of the
passengers threw sixpences in the water, when they
immediately dived after them, rising on the opposite
side of the ship to which they sprang in. The men are
rather small in stature ; the women are stout.

While a quantity of silver bars were being taken on
board, a good number of passengers embraced the
opportunity to explore the hills around. After a short
time a gun was fired and a flag was hoisted, when from
all quarters could be seen ladies and gentlemen run-

Panama.

215

ning down to the beach to paddle their own canoes to
the steamer, not wishing to be left behind.

We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, though the
weather was very hot ; yet the air was very fragrant.

We sailed out of the bay just as the sun was setting,
but the beauty which it shed around, by giving the
scenery a lovely tint, was something very enjoyable.

It was a beautiful day on which we were fairly on
our way to Panama. In the transit we met here and
there a little craft, now and then a flat boat or barge.
We saw the grand old towers, where grew some fine
evergreens, which looked very pretty, as they grew
out of the place where once a window, or perhaps a
gun, had pointed out over that famous bay towards
the enemy.

The steamer now ceased to use its motive power,
and soon we were all conveyed on board one of those
large flat boats, or rafts. There were no sides to them
to save you from falling over, yet everything was
done in such order that no mishap occurred. Several
boats were employed in taking the luggage to a train
at a short distance from the steamer, which was wait-'
ing to convey us across the isthmus. On landing,
there was a guard of soldiers forming a line, through
which we had to pass, the natives not being allowed
to come near us until we were all safely seated in the
railway carriage, and, as Booth says, " one cannot well
forget the scene, with the chattering of the native
women, who were not very prepossessing in appear-
ance, or some persons being nearly nude, but who
had everything to sell that could be named of
fancy goods, from a wee but pretty little singing,

% 1

1
1

iill

lifl
hll

'ilu

--Av-v

2l6

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

monkey, to a parrot or boiled egg, or a screw of
salt. They had ginger-beer in a bucket, with a
ladle attached, out of which you drank, if so dis-
posed, after fifty others." This noisy lot prevented
us seeing much of the town. I need not say how
glad we were, after several hours' sitting, to be free
from that incessant noise 'uid chatter.

In going by this line of railway we had a great
comfort, and that was, we had no fear of coming into
collision with another, as it was the only one that ran.
Another great thing was, we did not go very fast at
the commencement of the journey, for we were en-
abled to get out and gather flowers by the way. We
could walk down the centre of the carriage without
being molested, as the centre resembled a chapel or
church aisle ; at the end were steps which unfolded.
What the distance was I do not know, but we were
several hours on the way. The travelling was greatly
relieved by the scenery we passed through, and we
were not a little pleased that our iron horse proceeded
so slow. As we passed the hills and forests grand,
one might have thought a legion of gardeners had
been at work. We passed a large square bed of
flowers, which were about a foot in height. The bed
was many feet in length, which presented a most
charming appearance. We passed through several
Indian villages. The houses were made of young
saplings, through which we could observe the move-
ments of the inmates. The roof was covered with
palm leaves. Some of the Indians were naked, but
others were dressed very gaily. There was a beauti-
ful fruit-treC; the name of which I could not learn.

A Peculiar Tree.

217

It grew to an immense height. The leaves were just
at the top, the stalk being bare. On the top or crown
hung one or two large fruit, almost a yard long. Near
the stalk it appeared to be about half a yard in cir-
cumference, tapering off to a point. The fruit was of
a bright, golden colour, resembling Indian corn in its
formation. A thunderstorm came on, and gave us an
illustration of the use of its leaves in protecting the
fruit. On one large leaf lay the fruit ; as soon as the
rain began to fall the leaf began to curl round it,
while the upper leaf fell gently down, completely
enveloping the fruit from the rain.

We now dashed along smartly, while the thunder
roared and the lightning flashed with awful grandeur
and beauty. Little Indians ran about, holding a palm
leaf over their heads for umbrellas. The storm, how-
ever, did not last long.

I was much charmed with the lonf ,\<:\\^'
which were of many species. Singul? <;roi^pc':
the tall trees and shrubs, and lu 'g the.'
foHage in festoons through the beaut/'^
with clusters of flowers of all shades and hues in great
profusion and various positions. Who can imagine
the beauty of an equinoctial forest, with its thousands
and tens of thousands of flowers of every size and
colour and form ?

:>[ tp.es,
clir'!j..,('

' ■ lOof,

-N/^

.si

CHAPTER XXIV.

AspiNWALL. — Baby's Food. — New York to LiVERrooi., thence
TO London. — Visits. — Gloomy news. — Head-nurse again.

— Strangers.

N nearing Aspinvvall, the guard gave us a
timely warning to beware of the natives.
We thought they were very kind, and we
had not yet discovered why to be careful. Qur sur-
mising, however, was soon put to an end, for before
the train had stopped the carriages were tilled with
natives, all waiting to carry off our lu^;gage, or any-
thing else portable. Our party had a great deal of
baggage, of which I had the sole care, and I was not
a little annoyed in keeping the visitors at a respectful
distance. After a short time ^v^e, with all our baggage,
were marched through a narrow gateway capable of
admitting not more than two abreast, and where stood
two guards with drawn swords, which glittered in the
sun. Some of the ladies were taken a little aback by
their appearance, as they looked more like exactors
of life than preservers of caff^ty. On we marched
through a grove of pine-apple trees full of fruit, which
to us, who had been a long time without food, looked
very tempting. There was a goods-station, into which
we were all stowed like so many sheep. There was
no seat of any kind, and those who were tired or

Baby's Food.

£19

r., THENCE
3E AGAIN.

ve us a
natives,
and we
^ur sur-
)r before
led with
, or any-
: deal of
was not
ispectful
)aggage,
pable of
ire stood
d m the
Lack by
sxactors
narched
t, which
, looked
to which
lere was
tired or

exhausted could fling themselves on the ground, of
which privilege many availed themselves.

After we were in, we discovered that the baby's
food had all gone bad during the storm. What was
to be done was now the problem to be solved. We
did not know how many hours we had to remain.
The steamer which was to convey us was loading
with coal, and it appeared we could not leave the
place without permission. One of our party said he
would go out and endeavour to procure some milk.
He, however, soon returned, declaring it impossible
to obtain such a commodity, for in the first instance
the people were very thick on the ground, and in the
second the guards would not allow any one to pass
through the gate. From the state of affairs I knew
that something must be done to obtain food for my
young charge, so I asked to be allowed to take the
baby, promising that no harm should come to it, and
at the same time wishing its papa to accompany me.
We started for the town, and mana^^ed to get through
the crowd much better than ;ve did through the gate.
The officers, however, gave us a deal of trouble, telling
us that it would be at our own peril to attempt to
pass through. They were black, or rather an olive-
coloured set of men. We showed them the child,
telling them that it wanted food, and unless it had
some soo.M it would die. They gave a laugh, and a
singular glance at each other. I then felt that I dare
not venture with the child, for fear that they might
do it harm accidentally, if not intentionally. We ac-
cordingly took it back, and left it in safe keeping.
I then returned with a determination to pass through,

I.'-

220

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse

til

' I

cost what it might. No superior officer being found

to whom we could state our case, Mr, F would

not allow me to go alone. He returned to the gate
with me. I gave the men to understand I was in
their hands to do with me as they pleased, but should
uake the attempt to pass through. I made the at-
tempt at once, notwithstanding one had his sword
drawn, while the other breathed an imprecation vv'hich
I could not understand. I endeavoured to open the
gate. I found it was fastened, but two more officers
on the opposite side, to our surprise, immediately
opened the gate, and we had to pass through a com-
plete gang of native thieves. We wandered from
place to place in search of milk, but none was to be
had. I then went into a store, and purchased some
prepared oatmeal, and reauested several persons to
allov. ) ivT ♦•o make it. No one allowing me, I went up
an )i : ^ ,.;'y passage which led me into an old black-
v^oman' •. a\.X. On seeing a saucepan, I took it down,
and pouicu some water into it, and put it on the
stove. The old people in the hut looked at me with
amazement, and at last mustered up coura^^e enough
to ask me, " What you white woman gei black one's
kettle for .?" I said, " My baby die ; no food." They
rc;)1ied, "Go to steamer;" but on fully understanding
the ? jafter, they both jumped up as quickly as they
ecu la, one getting me some sugar, and the other a
spoon. While engaged in preparing the food, a fine
black young man came in. He was their son. They
told him that "white lady baby die ; him no food." He
made no to-do, otherwise things might not have been
so pleasant for me, a stranger in his parent's hut.

Returning with Baby's: Food.

221

g found
- would
he gate

was in
t should
I the at-
s sword
>n which
pen the

officers
ediately
I a corn-
id from
as to be
id some
Tsons to
went up
d black-
it down,

on the
me with

enough
ck one's
' They
standing

as they

other a
d, a fine
. They
od." He
ive been
hut.

When the food was prepared I found the old people
had nothing I could put 1l in, so I ran to the store and

bought a quart jug, and in returning saw Mr. ¥

standing, evidently in much trouble, not knowing what
had become of me. Bidding him remain where he was
for my return, I filled my jug three-parts full of the
prepared food, gave the old woman two dollars, shook
hands heartily, ^hanked them, and then left.

Joining Mr. F , our chief conversation was how

should we get through the gate, as it was getting late.
We saw, on coming up to it, that it was thrown open ;
part of our people had gone on board the steamer, and
part were struggling to get through the crowd of natives,
who then had the privilege to sell whatever commodity
they possessed.

The noise at this place v.'as even worse than at
Panama. Getting the assistance of a policeman, who
cleared the way for us, we found all our females in
great trouble through fear we had been murdered; but
our presence soon cheered them.

Going on board the steamer, we found it was very
different from the previous one ; yet I was never more
glad to see the anchor weighed than at this place. It
was bad at the last town, but it was worse at this.
Another instance of the truth of the saying, it is never
so bad but it might be much worse. On board the
steamer we did not fare badly. Everything was
clean, with a good tdOiC, and the stewards were very
kind. \

The weather was very warm. We had the Church
of England service on Lord's-day under tJie awning.

Five different times going from Aspinwall to New

■<w^"

222

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

York the steamer was on fire. Through great exer-
tions each time it was put out. It was so hot that we
could scarcely bear our hands to touch the bulwarks.

A feeling of sadness comes over the mind when
parting from friends whose acquaintance you have
but recently formed, especially when you feel the
hour is drawing near when separation must take
place.

We had now arrived in sight of New York, and the
baggage was being brought up from the hold. Upon
arriving at New York we stayed a few days. I thought
this would not only give me an opportunity to visit
my old friends, but also to call upon Dr. Mott. I was
sorry to find the Doctor had died a few weeks
before.

Being somewhat rested, we engaged another steamer
of the "Inman" line, which again differed in con
struction from the one we last were in. Everything
was on a grand scale, food excellent, all being in the
old English style.

We arrived in Liverpool, and had again to pass the
Customs-house ordeal. We then went to the Queen's
Hotel, and having refreshed ourselves, took train in
the evening for London, by way of Wolverhampton.
On getting to the great city we at once felt quite at
hoiae. The lady's father sent two carriages to the
station for the family. We gladly entered, for home.
Having abode with them three weeks, I took leave of
them, proceeding direct to Stratford, in Essex, to see
a beloved brother and sister-in-law, who at all times
gave me a hearty welcome From there I went to
my father's house, where I found all well.

Bad News.

223

it exer-
that we
Iwarks.
id when
3u have
feel the
ist take

and the
Upon

thought
T to visit
:. I was
V weeks

•steamer

in con

erything

g in the

pass the

Queen's

train in

lampton.

quite at

s to the

or home.

leave of

X, to see

ill times

went to

During the time I was here I received intelligence
'of the death of the child whose birth was so memor-
able, and which I had left at Burred Inlet. I had
often comforted myself with the thought that I might,
with that darling child, be spared to tell the tale of
the stupendous mercy and love which v/as displayed
by the Lord, both to myself and to all who were
interested in the birth. I at all times felt a great
attachment to the little ones, but particularly those
' who were born and rocked in a cradle on the
deep. I was informed that it had died in Mazit Lan,
in Mexico, to which place they had sailed from the
inlet and the port, which I objected to proceed to.
It appeared that shortly after the baby's death, they
started for San Francisco, and during the passage,
one night, an American steamer came into collision
with their ship, completely cutting it through All on
board had instantly to leave their beds, and escape to
the boats for safety. There was no time to dress, for
the ship sank four minutes after the collision. The
captain's wife was taken out of the water by one of
the boats.

Again in this instance I saw the preserving and
protecting care of God towards me. Had I been
there, efforts would have been made on my part to
save some of her valuables, at the risk of my life.
But " determined to save, He watched o'er my
path." I had often in my own mind felt condemned
for leaving them. Sometimes murmuring, md as the
late Mr. Gadsby has it ; —

" Sometimes in solemn silence sat,
Then peevishly cry out* ' How hard my lot ! ' . •

si!'

:ss:

224 Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

Each trial I have viewed with fretful eye,
And every mercy passed in silence by ;
Yet Christ '"d Him crucified has been my song.
Arid many ;ii e the mercies I have known,
My paths being strewed with blessings rich and rare,
Proceeding from Thy special love and care.
For His sympathising heart
Feels for them in distress ;
And love divine He will impart.
' With strength and righteousness

Through all the scenes of time.
He'd make His goodness known.
His sons in every age and clime
His sovereign grace shall own."

I did not remain long at home, clearly proving that
I had no abiding city here. Several ladies were
anxious to engage me in my usual capacity ; but
having received a letter from a medical gentleman
stating that he h? ' a vacancy for a head-nurse, and
feeling weary of so much travelling, I accepted the
offer, looking upon it as in the Providence of God,
which was afterwards to be made plain. Here I had
the pleasure to attend the House of God on week-
day evenings, as well as on the Lord's Day, which to
me was a great and delightful change. None but
those who are shut out from the means of grace, can
enter fully into the feelings of joy and gladness which
spring up in the heart at meeting with cordial
Christian friends, whether you have seen them before
or not.

A few at the Rochdale Road Chapel, who saw that
I was a stranger, gave me a truly Christian welcome,
especially two, one whose bending form and white
flowing hair told me he would not have long, to wait

Christian Encouragement,

225

ire,

ing that
es were
Ity ; but
ntleman
rse, and
ptcd the
of God,
re I had
>n weck-
ivhich to
one but
ace, can
ss which
cordial
n before

saw that
A'elcome,
id white
• to wait

before the messenger would summon him to cross

the river. The other — a lady (Mrs. D ) — acted

towards me the real good Samaritan part, and, as a
true sister in Christ, she continues to the present.

Excuse me, dear reader, if I here remark that many
a stranger like myself has gone into the House of God,
and members of that Christian body have allowed
the stranger to come and go time after time, hearing
the Word in the sa'ie place of worship as they them-
selves, but yet never inquired if they knew the Lord,
or what had induced them to come. Such Christians
entirely forget their Lord's commands by the apostle,
" Not to be forgetful to entertain strangers," nor yet
to disregard the sheep who may desire to follow in
their track, and find pasture with them. Then there
is the weak and trembling little bleating lamb to be
sought after. We must not forget there was a needs-
be that our Lord should go through Samaria. The
private Christian has work to do as well as the
Christian minister. The follower of Jesus must not
sit down at ease, and leave all to the pastor to do.
He has his work to do ; you may depend, he is often
wrestling with his God on your behalf — oftentimes
when you are sleeping and at rest physically. Let us,
then, not forget to hold up his hands by our prayers,
and endeavour to give every encouragement to him,
by seeking out here and there the lambs who are
bleating out under the ministry, and eagerly drinking
in the pure milk of the Word, and with the poor
backslider who is desiring to return to the fold, but
is afraid. How such tidings would cheer the minister's
heart ! causing him to feel that his Lord was working

- Q

fli

226

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

by him and through him. Thus his members with
him would be able to comfort the cast down in Zion,
and speak a word in season to those who fear not
God, with a true desire that God might make them
useful, yea, a blessing to their fellow-creatures. May
God arise in His power, and cause the sweet breezes
of His love to fill the hearts of all His members in
Zion, and thus extend the hand with the word of
exhortation to strangers, in the name and fear of the
Lord ! By so doing many a sad heart has been com-
forted. We bless God that there are some warmer-
hearted Christians than those who dwell in the icy
regions, or those isolated from the scattered bleating
lambs and sheep of the fold.

with
Zion,
ir not
them

May
reezes
ers in
)rd of
)f the

com-
irmer-
ic icy-
eating

' ^

CHAPTER XXV,

Stockport Sunday School. — The Life-boat. — Sailors and

Ships.

URING my stay in Manchester, I visited that

high and noble institution Stockport Sunday

School None can fail to be delighted with

it who pay it a visit. Being a lover of Sunday-schools,

and hoping this may come into the hands of some

Sunday-school teacher, I will vencure to give a little

sketch of that justly popular school, not fearing my

friends in it will be displeased with me for so doing,

but that their labours of love may not only be known

in Lancashire, but that they may be wafted on the

breeze to the distant parts of the world, inciting all

young people to follow the example set by the

teachers and friends of the Stockport Sabbath-school.

I am not speaking of it as being alone in the great

work of doing good ; for all Sunday-schools, under the

blessing of God, are and have been the means of

doing good.

The Stockport Sunday-school is a large building

divided into class-rooms, where reading, writing, and

arithmetic are taught. Hundreds of children, with

young men and women, who during the week at the

various mills and factories are busily engaged, may

be seen wending their way to the school on a Sabbath

morning. At the time when I visited it there were

Q 2

-A

228

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

upwards of 4,000 names on the books. I never
beheld a more imposing sight than that of their faces
beaming with joy durmg the service. The seats in the
large room gradually rose from the pulpit upwards, so
that every face could be seen by the minister.

There were also two small galleries, one on
each side of the orchestra. These hallowed meetings
have, under the influence of the Spirit of God, been
blessed to many a Wc»yward son and daughter. Many
from it, who have gone to foreign lands, have been able
to exalt that Saviour of whom they had so oft heard
before, of His love to their dying souls, and blessed the
Lord that they were numbered with Sunday scholars.

Does it not rejoice the heart of every Sunday-
school teacher to know that hundreds are with them
labouring in the great field of love and duty } The
scholars of this noble institution presented to the
Royal National Life-boat Institution a boat, ;vhich
was named the " Stockport Sunday-school." Captain
Ward, R.N., was in attendance to take charge of the
boat, and superintend the arrangements for its launch,
during which time the voices of thousands of the
scholars, with the"* multitude, joined in singing the
following hymn, written for the occasion by Mr.
George Kinch : —

" Joyful, O Lord, this clay we stand,
In England's fair and favoured land ;
And, e'er we send it to the sea,
Our Life-boat we commend to Thee.

For many a sailor climbs the mast, >

And dauntless braves the nithless blast ;
Whilst at the stern he proudly sees
The British ensi<'n in the breeze.

Stockport Snnday-scJiool Life-boat.

229

And there the merchant goes to trade
With goods our willing hands have made,
And from a foreign strand to bear
The produce sumirer skies prepare.

And there the servant of the Lord
Bears forth in love His Holy Word,
That peoples on a distant shore
May learn His goodness, and adore.

But as they journey o'er the deep,
•;; The storm-winds through the canvas sweep :

\ The mast is gone, the vessel lies

A wreck beneath the lowering skies.

Shall we to whom this tale is told,

Uncaring, their distress behold ? 1

Nay, we our youthful aid will lend,

And we our bonny boat will send.

Manned by the skilful and the brave,
''i . Go, ' Stockport Sunday-school,' to save.

Dear name on land, and on the sea.
May the Almighty prosper thee ! "

After the hymn was sung, Mr. James Leigh, one of
the general inspectors of the school, addressed Cap-
tain Ward. The speech will be remembered by all
who heard him, and who v^aliie our gallant tars.
Amongst other remarks, he said, " We do not forget,
although living in an inland town, that we are under
great obligations to our sailors, that we are dependent
upon them for the raw material of our industry, as
well as for many of the luxuries of life ; and we do
not forget that the greatness of England at the pre-
sent time is owing in a great measure to her sailors."

Reader, we know not the good that might, under
the blessing of God, be done for these poor fellows,
who, as I have remarked before, have to meet and

Wir^

230

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

m
11

brave dangers which none can fully understand but
those who sail with them. If thousands more took
the same view of their valour as Mr. Leigh, I doubt
not that greater good would result in using every
means to induce the sailor when he comes ashore to
attend the House of God. A few ladies at Liverpool,
amid the countless thousands, are engaged in that
noble work, and have been encouraged by now nd
hen hearing that God had blessed their labours, to
tne convincing and saving of the souls of the sailors.

Some of my readers may not have had the privi-
lege of seeing much of sailors and ships. The fol-
lowing is an extract from a graphic description written
by a literary gentleman during the time the British
fleet was lying at Liverpool : —

" They were visited by thousands who gazed with
astonishment and delight on these monsters of
strength, some carrying five masts. The ' Minotaur'
is armed with four 12-ton guns, and eighteen 6^-ton,
and four smaller ones. The * Northumberland ' carries
twenty-eight pieces of heavy ordnance, and the
* Hercules ' has fourteen guns, most of them weighing
eighteen tons each, and discharging a 40O lb. shot,
and it is said that she could fire twenty shots of
400 lbs. each in a minute. These monster ships are
the chief dwelling-place of hundreds of our blue
jackets and mariners, who are ready to face the
hottest battle, and who have proved themselves so
accompHshed in grasping the helm in the storm."

It is well said that there is an inborn politeness
about a true salt. He is one of Nature's gentlemen ;
he possesses a pride in his work. It is not a question

Our Sailors.

231

with our sailors how little they can do, but how much
it becomes them to render service. They work hard
from a love of having their ship in good order and
clean, both in storm and sunshine.

Our jolly tar feels a satisfaction in his work. There
is no running away from his post of duty, though his
ship or craft may ship sea after sea, or, in other
words, have tons of water rolling over her decks.

Many of these brave fellows have I seen day after
day, and night after night, working under the greatest
danger and difficulty, until their eyes became like
balls of blood, from the effects of wind, salt water,
and want of rest. Yet the sailor glories in the honours
of his lough life. His duties are no guess-work, but
the accurate carrying out of the well considered plans
of his commander.

Every Englishman who feels any interest in his
country must see the value of our seamen. Foreign
gold may buy armour-plated ships, but no gold can
purchase a British seaman from his Queen and
country. We may be proud of our noble ships, but
we have still more cause to be proud of our sailors,
who have the courage of a lion, and the gentleness of a
woman. His brawny arm will nurse and dandle the
weakest infant as gently as a well-trained nurse. He
will endeavour, in place of its mother who may be
prostrate from sickness, to comfort it. But seldom
are his hours at sea spent in idleness or half-holidays.
During a calm there are many things to be dor ^,
such as sail-mending, painting, cleaning, &c. When
turning into his bunk to take his allotted rest, at any
moment he may be aroused from his sleep, and

232

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

if m

ordered upon deck. The sea which shortly before
was calm and peaceful is now wild and tempestuous.
Every man must be at his post :

" Fierce and more fierce the warring elements
Engage, as if the strength and wrath of Heaven,
Driven liefore the presence of its God,
Were poured along in one collected blast.
Such is the onset of the hurricane.
The ocean writhes under it, and resente
The insult, flings its monstrous waves aloft
And rouses dofiance. Heaven's artillery
Rolls in ftill volleys from the lofided clouds.
And thousand thousand flashes of red light,
Bursui ' from end to end the lusid sky,
Make the confusion visible. O Thou
Who once did bow the heavens and come down.
Thy throne encirciwd with d^rk water's round.
Clouds jijid thick darkness underneath Thy feet,
Temi)est and fire before Thee, — to whom but Theev
Amidst the stniggle and the agony,
Shall the tossed mariner look? Whom but to Thee,
When his heart melts within- him, and his bark
Now plunges down the faithomless ahyss^
And now careers upon \\. •■ billow's top,
And reels £,nd staggers like a drunken man ?
Whom, Loitl Almighty, shall the sailor trust
But Thee ? What other help but Thine implore
To save him lest he perish ? Oh ! do Thou
Hear and deliver ! look in mercy down
And make Thy presence felt amid the storm I
Not in the tempest, for Thou art there,
But in the still small voice of love
Omnipotent, which whispers, ' Fear thou not.
For I am with thee.' Lord, faithful and true.
Assure the troubled spirit of Thy love ;
Yea, let its fears assure it ; Jet the storm
Witness of Thee — and sin, death and hell,
And a)', thu^gs mighty to destroy, approve
The^ mightiest to sav, — to save and bless
Ettrnally the soul that trusts in Thee ! "

1^^ \

Close of Sea Life.

211

before
;tuous.

And now, dear reader, in closing my sea life, I have
great pleasure in presenting a few lines written by an
em-nent poet. Having been so much upon the mighty
deep, I seem to feel that my home was there, and
the following lines fully express my feelings :—

*• I love the sea; she is my fellow-creature ;
My careful purveyor ; she provides me .-tore ;
She walls me round ; she makes my diet greater;
She wafts me t-easures from a foreign shore.
But, Lord of oceans, when compared with Thee,
What is the ocean or her wealth to me ?
Without Thy presence, earth gives no reflections ;
Without Thy presence, sea affords no treasure ;
Without Thy presence, air 's a rank infection :
Without Thy presence, heaven itself no pleasure ;
If not possessed, if not enjoyed in Thee,
What's Earth, or Sea, or Air, or Heaven to me ?
Without Thy presence, wealth is bags of cares ;
Wisdom, but folly ; joy, disquiet, sadness ;
Friendship is treason, and delights all snares ;
Pleasures but pain, and mirth but pleasing madness :
Without Thee, Lord, things be not what they be ;
Nor have they being, when compared with Thee.
In having all things and not Thee, what have I ?
Not having Thee, what have my labours got ?
Let me enjoy but Thee, what further crave I ? ,
And having Thee .lone, what have I not ?
- ' I wish nor sea, no land, nor would I be

• Possessed of heaven— heaven unpossessed by Thee 1 "

CHAPTER XXVI.

Settled at last.— Miners.--A Happy Death.— Conclusion.

■

i <

FTER remaining a short time in England, I
obtained the appointment of matron to an
hospital, where I received, and still continue
to receive, great kindness from those with whom I
have been brought in contact, and feel tru' thank-
ful that I still experience that appreciatioii f my
humble endeavours in a work so noble and good in
affording comfort to those poor creatures who some-
times are destitute of a friend on earth, many not
knowing the value of their immortal souls. The
district for miles round is composed of coal-mines,
and the majority of the population are from early
childhood employed in the pits ; consequently, the/
are seldom afforded the opportunity of attending
school until they attain riper years. The dangers to
which they are exposed while at work are as great
as those of the sailor. Many have lost their lives
through having exposed a naked light ; others have
been burnt to a frightful degree. Many such poor
creatures have I seen. Sometimes the mines will
explode from various other causes: in boring and
blasting the danger is great. It may be in the side
of the hole is a hard substance, and in ramming

Coal Mines.

235

LUSION.

^land, I
to an
Dntinue
vhom I
thank-
of my
od- in
) somc-
any not
. The
1-mines,
n early
ly, the/
tending
ngers to
IS great
sir lives
srs have
ch poor
lies will
ing and
the side

amming

the powder into its proper place the friction will
cause it to explode, sometimes blowing the man to
pieces. I have seen some poor fellows who have had
their eyes blown out, while the rest of the body has
been unscathed. The falling of the roof is another
danger to which all are exposed. Sometimes when
a heavy rain takes place, the water penetrates the
earth, and loosens it, causing it to fall in upon the
miner quite unexpectedly, inflicting great injury and
sometimes instant .eath.

Seeing the collier is exposed to so many dangers,
ought not our sympathy and prayers to be called
forth } Hundreds of them scarcely know what it is
to enjoy the light of day, or behold the sun as ne
goes ;iis round, causing the ^^cart of his beholders to
rejoice. Even the beasts of the field bask in the
sun's rays, but these poor n?cn are too deep in the
earth for the beaming influence to reach them.
Many of them need a missionary as much as the
poor African, and I am rejoiced to say that near to
many large pits Sunday-schools and chapels are
being built, where the Gospel is faithfully proclaimed
in all sincerity and truth. I would say, for the encour-
agement of all nurses who fear the Lord, and who
delight to tell the sick under their care the love of
the Saviour, " Be not wear "n well-doing." When
we are fearing our efforts aic in vain, God's Spirit
blesses our feeble means, to the opening of the blind
eyes, causing the heart of the afflicted ones to bless
God that they had been afflicted.

During my stay in the hospital, God was pleased
to call two to the truth of the Gospel, using me as

236

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

the feeble instrument in His hand': " Not unto me,
O Lord, but unto Thee be all the glory! " I cannot
pass on without referring to one poor fellow who
was brought to the infirmary with severe burns
all over him — James M'Lean, a collier. He had
been, as he told me, no swearer, no drunkard : he
never took a glass of intoxicating drink in his
life. He was a constant attendant at the House
of God, and one of the leading singers. He was
also a good husband, and thought he was quite safe
for heaven in going his round of duty. I endea-
voured to show him it was a sandy foundation to
build upon, and that all his good works were excel-
lent in their place, but that salvation was alone by the
blood of Christ Jesus. His friends told me of his good
deeds. His poor mother told him that God would
take hirn to heaven, for he had been a good lad. He
replied," No, mother, that will not save me. I thought
so once, but, bless God, He hath shown me different:
none but Christ, no other way, mother." Seeing he
could not continue long, I was often at his bedside,
and one night when sitting by him, his face being
covered with dressing, on account of the burns, he
begged nie to allow'it to be removed or holes cut in it,
that he might just see out. It was done; and through
being fatigued, having sat up several nights, I fell into
a doze. Being now able to see me, he cried out,
" W?ke I'p, and talk to me about Jesus." I said, "Why,
James, do you still want to talk about Jesus?" "Yes,"
he replied ; " say something about Him, for I love Him.
He hath saved my soul." I then repeated those sweet
words : —

nto me,

1 cannot
ow who

burns
He had
ard : he
in his

2 House
He was
uite safe
[ endea-
ation to
e excel-
le by the
his good
d would
lad. He

'. thought
different :
eeing he
bedside,
ce being
)urns, he
1 cut in it,
[ through
[ fell into
ried out,
i, "Why,
" "Yes,"
ove Him.
)se sweet

James M'Lcan.

" Jesus, Lover of my soul,
Let me to Thy bosom fly;"

237

when he said, " Stop ; that is blessed ; I will sing it."
It was just past midnight ; he commenced and sang
the whole hymn through, causing the other patients
to wake up, and tears to roll down their checks as they
lay on their beds of pain, some of them saying " they
wished they were like James." A short time before
he died he gave me his blessing, thanking God that
he had been brought into the hospital, at the same
time telling me I had something on which was very
bright. I said," James, I have not." He, however, still
persisted that " I had something on very bright." I
remarked to him that " perhaps the Lord is about to
take you home, and those are the angels who are to
be your convoy which you see." Lifting up his poor
arms, which were nothing but bones, the flesh having
been burnt off, and clasping his hands, which were in
the same state, he exclaimed with his eyes sparkling,
and looking upwards, " That is it ; I see my Saviour.
They are waiting for me. Lord, come, and take me."
His arms fell, and he had entered into the presence of
the Lamb, there to sing that endless song; " Worthy
is the Lamb to receive all honour and glory, for He
was slain for us, and hath redeemed us to God by His
blood." May the thousands of colliers, whose dwelling
for the most part is in the bowels of the earth, die as
did their fellow-workmen, James M'Lean !

These facts are enough to convince us that all the
designs of Jehovah, which are full of wisdom and mercy,
shall be carried out, and if there still remain to -us any-
thing obscure and impenetrable, let us put our hands

238

Memoirs of a Lady Nurse.

upon our mouths and say, " Lord, Thy judgments are
right and equitable." Let these things encourage us, as
much as in us Heth, to Hve to the glory of God, in cor ri-
buting to the happiness and preservation of our fellow-
creatures. Let it not be sufficient to supply our own
wants, but endeavour to help when it is in our power
to render to others assistance.

Dear Reader, in the foregoing pages 1 have|endea-
voured to give a description, though faint, of the way
in which I have been led both by sea and land, and
trust you have not been disappointed in your perusal.
May our whole object be the Redeemer's glory and
the welfare of those around us. However feeble our
attainments may be, let the language of our hearts be,
" Lord, ever guide us by Thy council ; " for He will
lead us by a right way, preserve us from a thousand
snares, and be our Guide ever unto the end. Finally,
to those who are engaged in nursing the sicic and
wounded, or, in fact, any good work, I would
say : —

" Go, labour on ; spend, and be spent, —
Thy joy to do thy Father's will ;
It is the way the Master went,
Should not the servant tread it still ? ,

Go, labour on ; 'tis not for naught:

All earthly loss is heavenly gain ;
Men heed thee, love thee, praise thee not;

The Master praises. What ar'=; men ?

Go, labour on, enough, while here, ' , '

■ ■ If He praise thee, if lie deign

Thy willing heart to mark and cheer,
No toil for Him shall be in vain.

nits are
re us, as
L cor ri-
fellow-
)ur own
r power

,''!.'

Finis.

Go, labour on, while it is day;

The world's dark night is hastening on ;
Speed, speed thy work, cast sloth away ;

It is not thus that souls are won. .

Toil on, and in thy toil rejoice ;

For toil comes rest, for exile home ;
Soon shalt thou hear the Bridegroom's voice

The midnight peal, ' Behold, I come ! ' "

239

2'endea-

the way
.nd, and
perusal,
ory and
eble our
earts be,
He will
housand
Finally,,
;icK and
[ would

Loudon : W. H. & L. Collikgeidge, 117 to 120, Aldersgato btreet.

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